Archive · 27 Aug 2026
PMK Seeks CBI Probe Into Deaths of Three Tamils
Three men died after being shot in a forest area of Karnataka.
The Karnataka Forest Department says they were deer poachers and that officers fired in self-defense during a crossfire.
The families and the PMK say this explanation is false.
PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss says leaked autopsy details show the men were shot from close range.
He says this conflicts with the department’s account of a distant armed encounter.
He has asked the CBI to investigate the deaths.
He also wants each family to receive Rs 1 crore.
The Karnataka government has ordered a magisterial inquiry, but Anbumani says a central investigation is needed for impartiality.
PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss demanded a CBI investigation into the deaths of Anthony Swami, John Rose Peter and Kumar in Karnataka.
The three men were reportedly shot on August 15 near the Cauvery wildlife sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district.
The Karnataka Forest Department described them as deer poachers killed in self-defense during an armed crossfire.
Families and the PMK rejected that account, while Anbumani cited leaked autopsy findings indicating close-range gunshot wounds.
Anbumani sought central intervention, compensation of Rs 1 crore for each family and action by the Tamil Nadu government.
- Who
- The deceased were identified as Anthony Swami, John Rose Peter and Kumar; PMK chief Anbumani Ramadoss is demanding the probe.
- What
- Three men were shot dead in circumstances disputed by the Karnataka Forest Department, their families and the PMK.
- When
- The shootings occurred on August 15.
- Where
- Near the Cauvery wildlife sanctuary in Hanur forest, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka.
- Why
- Anbumani says leaked autopsy findings conflict with the reported armed-encounter account and warrant an impartial CBI investigation.
PMK and families
Karnataka Forest Department
How the men died
PMK and families
The families and PMK reject the claim that the men were killed in an armed encounter. Anbumani says close-range wounds suggest they may have been detained and executed.
Karnataka Forest Department
The Karnataka Forest Department says the men were deer poachers who were killed in self-defense during a crossfire.
Type of investigation
PMK and families
Anbumani argues that a magisterial inquiry lacks adequate jurisdiction and is seeking an impartial CBI investigation.
Karnataka Forest Department
The Karnataka government has ordered a magisterial inquiry into the incident.
Post-mortem findings
PMK and families
Anbumani says leaked autopsy reports contradict the forest department’s account and match observations by a PMK fact-finding team.
Karnataka Forest Department
The official post-mortem report has not been released, according to Anbumani.
- Victims
- Anthony Swami, John Rose Peter and Kumar
- Location
- Hanur forest near the Cauvery wildlife sanctuary, Chamarajanagar district
- Reported date
- August 15
- Forest department account
- The men were deer poachers killed in self-defense during a crossfire
- Disputed evidence
- Anbumani cited leaked post-mortem findings indicating close-range gunshot wounds
- Current inquiry
- The Karnataka government ordered a magisterial inquiry
- Requested compensation
- Rs 1 crore for each victim’s family