Tamil leaders seek probe into Karnataka forest killing of 3 farmers

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Joseph Vijay has condemned the killing of three Tamil farmers by Karnataka forest officials in Chamarajanagar district, calling the official explanation "unacceptable" and demanding a high-level probe. The incident occurred on August 15 in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.

The three victims are Antony Raj, John and Kumar. Karnataka forest officials said the men were poaching wild animals and fired at personnel first, prompting self-defence. Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy stated the men had country-made pistols and bags of deer meat.

Opposition leader M K Stalin demanded a judicial probe and accused Vijay of being silent on the Mekedatu issue. PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss alleged the "poaching story" was a cover-up, demanded a CBI probe and Rs 1 crore compensation per family. CPM state secretary P Shanmugam called for dismissal of the officials involved. A magisterial inquiry has been announced by Karnataka CM D K Shivakumar.