Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Surviving Poaching Suspect Seeks Security After Karnataka Forest Shootout
A forest shooting happened in Karnataka on August 15.
Forest officials were investigating suspected poaching in a wildlife sanctuary.
Three people alleged to be poachers died in the exchange of fire.
A man named Mahimadas says he was also involved but escaped.
He says the officials started shooting suddenly.
He says he became frightened and ran away.
He later went home and received hospital treatment because he felt ill.
Mahimadas says officials are looking for him and asks police for protection.
The Forest Department had not yet publicly responded to his claims.
Mahimadas, alleged to be the fourth accused, released a video from an undisclosed location.
He said the exchange of fire occurred around 5:30 a.m. on August 15.
Mahimadas claimed Forest Department personnel opened fire suddenly and that he fled in fear.
He said he later went home and was admitted to a hospital because he was unwell.
Three alleged poachers were killed during the incident in Karnataka’s Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary; the Forest Department had not immediately responded.
- Who
- Forest Department personnel, three alleged poachers who died, and Mahimadas, described as the fourth accused.
- What
- An alleged exchange of fire during a suspected poaching operation left three alleged poachers dead; Mahimadas later sought police protection.
- When
- The shootout occurred early on August 15, reportedly around 5:30 a.m.; Mahimadas released his video on Tuesday.
- Where
- The incident occurred in the dense forest of the Shagya range in Karnataka’s Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary; Mahimadas spoke from an undisclosed location.
- Why
- Forest personnel acted on information about alleged poaching activities.
Mahimadas’s account
Forest Department’s reported operation
How the shooting began
Mahimadas’s account
Mahimadas claimed Forest Department personnel started firing suddenly and that he fled out of fear.
Forest Department’s reported operation
The Forest Department personnel were reportedly involved in an exchange of fire with suspected poachers after receiving information about poaching activities.
Mahimadas’s status and safety
Mahimadas’s account
Mahimadas said he was unwell, later received hospital treatment, and feared officials were looking for him to make him a witness; he requested police protection.
Forest Department’s reported operation
The Forest Department’s position on Mahimadas’s claims was not immediately available.
- Incident date
- Early August 15
- Reported time
- Around 5:30 a.m.
- Location
- Shagya range, Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, Karnataka
- Deaths
- Three alleged poachers
- Surviving accused
- Mahimadas, described as the fourth accused
- His request
- Police protection
- Official response
- No immediate response from the Forest Department was reported