Karnataka firing protest ends after MLA promises ₹15 lakh relief

Protests demanding justice and compensation for three men killed in a firing incident within the Shagya range of Karnataka's Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary have been called off. Families of the deceased and residents of surrounding villages ended their agitation on Sunday after Hanur MLA MR Manjunath provided assurances of financial relief and accountability.

The protesters had been demanding compensation, government jobs for the dependants of those killed, and strict action against the forest officials allegedly involved in the firing. MLA Manjunath met with the protesters at the demonstration site and pledged that each of the three families would receive a total of ₹15 lakh. He stated that the government had already announced an immediate compensation of ₹5 lakh, and he would personally contribute an additional ₹10 lakh. The MLA also committed to discussing the possibility of providing employment to the dependants of the deceased with the government.

“

The government has announced ₹5 lakh as immediate compensation. I will personally provide another ₹10 lakh. Thus, the families will receive a total of ₹15 lakh. I will also speak to the government regarding providing jobs to the dependants of the deceased.

Furthermore, Manjunath assured the families that an investigation would be conducted, and if any officials were found culpable, action, including suspension, would be taken. "The government has entrusted the investigation to a magistrate. If any officials are found responsible, action will be taken against them, including suspension. The investigation will bring out the truth," he said.

Following these assurances, the protesters agreed to temporarily suspend their agitation. Farmer leaders, however, indicated that they would resume protests if the government failed to uphold its commitments. An FIR has been registered against forest department officials, and a separate investigation team has been formed. The incident had disrupted traffic on the Hanur–Male Mahadeshwara Hills road since Saturday, but normal movement resumed after the protest withdrawal. The situation in Hanur town has gradually returned to normalcy.

“

The government has entrusted the investigation to a magistrate. If any officials are found responsible, action will be taken against them, including suspension. The investigation will bring out the truth.