‘Explanation unacceptable’: CM Vijay condemns killing of three Tamil men by Karnataka forest department

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has strongly condemned the killing of three Tamil men by Karnataka Forest Department officials, labeling the department's explanation of the incident as "unacceptable." The three men, identified as Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter, and Kumar, were residents of villages in Karnataka's Hanur taluk and were allegedly shot dead on August 15 in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.

“

It is heartbreaking that Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter, and Kumar, who were Tamils residing in villages in the Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district in Karnataka, were shot dead by Karnataka Forest Department officials in the early hours of August 15, 2026, in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary area. I strongly condemn this massacre.

Stalin described the killings as a "massacre" and called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding their deaths. He criticized the Karnataka Forest Department's justification for the shootings, stating that it failed to meet the standards of an acceptable explanation. The Chief Minister emphasized the need for accountability, demanding that those responsible be brought to justice.

“

The explanation provided by the Karnataka Forest Department regarding this incident is unacceptable.

Further, Stalin urged the Karnataka government to establish a high-level investigation committee to probe the incident. He also stressed the importance of providing necessary assistance to the families of the victims. "An honest investigation must be conducted regarding this brutal incident," Stalin stated, adding that "appropriate punishment should be meted out to those responsible."

“

An honest investigation must be conducted regarding this brutal incident. A high-level investigation committee should be constituted, and appropriate punishment should be meted out to those responsible. The Karnataka government must provide all necessary assistance to the families of the victims.

Political parties in Tamil Nadu, including the DMK and PMK, have echoed Stalin's concerns, questioning the officials' claim that the victims were poachers. Protests have occurred in Chamarajanagar and Mysuru, with villagers and family members demanding action against the forest personnel involved. The situation remains tense as demonstrators seek justice for the deceased men.

“

I strongly urge the Karnataka government to take appropriate measures to ensure that no such incident occurs again.