Karnataka forest shooting of three Tamils sparks political row

The killing of three Tamil-origin men by Karnataka Forest Department personnel in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary has triggered demands for a CBI probe in the Tamil Nadu Assembly. The victims were identified as Anthony Samy, John Rose Peter, and Kumar. They were shot dead in the early hours of August 15 in Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district. A fourth person is reportedly injured and being treated in Mysore.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay condemned the incident, calling the Karnataka government's explanation unacceptable. AIADMK chief Edappadi K Palaniswami moved a motion in the Assembly demanding a CBI inquiry, while DMK MLA Manoj Pandian described the killings as a human rights violation. Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar hit back, calling it a federal issue and telling the Tamil Nadu government to 'do your job'.

The Karnataka government has offered Rs 5 lakh compensation, which critics call insufficient. PMK leader Ganesh Kumar demanded Rs 1 crore per family. Forest officials said they acted on a poaching tip-off and that the men pointed a gun at personnel. They seized firearms and meat believed to be from wild animals. A magisterial inquiry is underway.