Tamil Nadu CM Vijay Condemns Killing of 3 Tamils by Karnataka Forest Officials, Demands Probe

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has strongly condemned the killing of three Tamils by Karnataka forest department officials, labeling the explanation of the incident as "unacceptable." The three men, identified as Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter, and Kumar, were shot dead in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary area in Karnataka on August 15, 2026. Vijay stated that the victims were Tamils residing in villages in the Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district in Karnataka.

In a statement shared on X, the official handle of Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) party, the chief minister expressed his deep sorrow. "It is heartbreaking that Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter, and Kumar... were shot dead by Karnataka Forest Department officials... I strongly condemn this massacre," the post read. The incident allegedly occurred in the early hours of August 15.

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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.

Vijay emphasized the need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths. He urged the Karnataka government to take appropriate measures to prevent such incidents from recurring. The families of the deceased, who were reportedly killed in an alleged exchange of fire with forest department personnel, have protested in Hanur, demanding compensation and government jobs for their dependants.

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