Karnataka: Villagers Vandalise Forest Office After 3 Alleged Poachers Killed In Shootout At Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary
Bengaluru, August 15, 2026: Tension prevailed in Hanur, Chamarajnagar district, on Saturday, after irate villagers vandalised the forest office at Shadya in Hanur taluk, after forest department officials gunned down three poachers in an early morning encounter in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. The deceased poachers have been identified as Anthony Swamy, Peter and Kumar, while the fourth…
On August 15, 2026, villagers in Hanur, Chamarajnagar district, rampaged the Shadya forest office following the fatal shooting of three alleged poachers by forest officials. The victims were identified as Anthony Swamy, Peter, and Kumar, while the fourth associate fled the scene. The incident began at around 12:30 AM, when forest staff at the anti-poaching camp Tomiyaar Palya received a gunshot alert.
Realizing poachers were nearby, they alerted Hanur forest officials, who responded with jeeps. Upon arrival, they encountered the poachers with guns and ordered their surrender. A verbal exchange ensued, and the poachers opened fire, prompting forest officials to return the favor. Three poachers were killed on the spot, while the fourth escaped.
Villagers, claiming the poachers were unarmed and searching for lost cattle, destroyed office furniture and damaged a motorcycle outside the Shadya forest office. The forest officials defended the encounter, stating the gang had a history of poaching during holidays. Police recovered meat and bullet-punctured tree evidence at the scene.
The district minister, Puttaranga Shetty, is investigating both sides and has deployed additional police to maintain order.
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