Miscreants blow up several anti-poaching camps in K'taka

Anti-poaching camps in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Chamarajanagar were destroyed by unidentified assailants using explosives on the night of August 18-19. The Minchinarehalla camp in Kothanur zone was targeted with dynamite and gelatin sticks, causing damage to the structure and burning materials inside. Other camps in Minchinahalli, Bheemeshwari, Ollemarada Hatti, Budikere, Bandahalli and Kalidoddi were also hit during the same period.

There were no casualties reported. Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar stated the government will await the outcome of the inquiry into the August 15 killing of three alleged poachers before commenting further. The three men - Anthony Samy, John Rose Peter and Kumar - were shot dead by Forest Department personnel in self-defense during an anti-poaching operation.

The incident has sparked controversy in neighboring Tamil Nadu, with political leaders questioning the official explanation and demanding a high-level probe.