CM Vijay Condemns Killing of Three Tamils by Karnataka Forest Personnel

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president C. Joseph Vijay strongly condemned the killing of three Tamils in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district by the Karnataka Forest Department.

In a post on social media platform X on Sunday night, Vijay described the explanation provided by the Karnataka Forest Department regarding the incident as unacceptable. The victims—identified as Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter, and Kumar—hailed from Tamil Nadu and had been living in Hanur taluk of Karnataka. They were shot dead in the early hours of August 15 during an alleged exchange of fire.

Vijay demanded an impartial inquiry into the incident and called for the constitution of a high-level inquiry committee. He stated that those responsible for the deaths should be punished and urged the Karnataka government to provide necessary assistance to the families of the victims, while taking measures to ensure such incidents do not recur.

Earlier, DMK president M.K. Stalin raised concerns over the incident and questioned the Chief Minister's initial silence on the matter. Stalin demanded that a case be registered and an impartial judicial inquiry be conducted, alleging an attempt by the Karnataka government to protect those involved. He also sought compensation and government employment for the kin of the deceased.