Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Gelatin Blasts Hit Five Cauvery Sanctuary Anti-Poaching Camps
Forest officials and poachers had a violent encounter in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary on August 15.
Three poachers were killed in that encounter.
Afterward, several anti-poaching camps were damaged by explosions.
Officials said gelatin sticks were used in the blasts.
They inspected at least five camps and planned to inspect eight more.
People in nearby Hanur also protested and damaged a forest department office.
Police moved forest workers and their families to safety during the unrest.
The government is investigating who caused the blasts and whether people from Tamil Nadu were involved.
Three poachers were gunned down during an encounter with forest officials in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary on August 15.
Forest officials found that at least five anti-poaching camps had been blasted with gelatin sticks after the encounter.
Officials said blasts may have occurred on August 16 or 17, while eight additional camps remained to be inspected.
Violence in Hanur led police to evacuate forest staff and their families before asking employees to return when conditions improved.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said a comprehensive investigation would examine possible involvement from neighboring Tamil Nadu.
- Who
- Forest officials, poachers, suspected local miscreants, police, and Karnataka officials were involved or mentioned; three poachers were killed in the encounter.
- What
- At least five anti-poaching camps in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary were blasted with gelatin sticks after an encounter in which three poachers were gunned down.
- When
- The encounter occurred on August 15; officials said the camp blasts likely occurred on August 16 or 17, with inspections continuing by Wednesday.
- Where
- The incidents occurred across the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, including camps in Kothanuru and Hanur divisions and areas around Hanur in Karnataka.
- Why
- Officials suspect the blasts were retaliation for the encounter and are investigating possible involvement by people from neighboring Tamil Nadu.
- Encounter date
- August 15
- Poachers killed
- Three
- Camps confirmed blasted
- At least five, according to forest officials
- Explosive reported
- Gelatin sticks
- Additional camps pending inspection
- Eight
- Government response
- Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said a comprehensive investigation was being conducted.