2 weeks ago
Karnataka Anti-Poaching Camps Attacked Amid Dispute Over Shootings
Several forest camps in Karnataka were attacked with explosives.
The camps are used by workers who try to stop illegal hunting.
One camp was badly damaged, and six others were also targeted.
Nobody was hurt in the attacks.
The incidents happened after three alleged poachers were killed on August 15.
Karnataka officials say the forest team fired after coming under attack.
Leaders in Tamil Nadu have questioned that explanation and want a deeper investigation.
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the government will wait for the inquiry before making a final comment.
Unidentified people allegedly used explosives to attack anti-poaching camps in Karnataka’s Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Minchinarehalla camp was reportedly destroyed, while six other camps were also targeted overnight.
No injuries were reported in the attacks, which occurred between August 18 and 19.
The vandalism followed the August 15 deaths of three alleged poachers during a forest operation.
Karnataka and Tamil Nadu authorities differ over the shooting, with Tamil Nadu leaders seeking a high-level investigation.
- Who
- Unidentified attackers, Karnataka Forest Department personnel, three deceased alleged poachers, and officials in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
- What
- Several anti-poaching camps were allegedly vandalised with explosives after three alleged poachers were killed in a forest shooting.
- Where
- The incidents occurred in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, particularly in the Kothanur zone of Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka.
- When
- The camps were targeted during the intervening night of August 18-19; the shooting occurred on August 15.
- Why
- The attacks came amid anger over the August 15 shooting, while the motive of the camp attackers has not been established.
Karnataka Authorities’ Account
Tamil Nadu Critics’ Position
What happened during the shooting
Karnataka Authorities’ Account
Karnataka authorities said forest personnel came under fire from a group suspected of wildlife poaching and allegedly fired in self-defence, killing three men.
Tamil Nadu Critics’ Position
Tamil Nadu political parties questioned the Karnataka officials’ explanation and said the victims were Tamils.
How the incident should be investigated
Karnataka Authorities’ Account
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said the government would wait for the ongoing inquiry and said the Forest Minister was conducting a detailed investigation.
Tamil Nadu Critics’ Position
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay called the explanation unacceptable and demanded a fair investigation by a high-level committee; Tamil Nadu Assembly members also sought a high-level probe.
Key facts
- Primary damaged camp
- Minchinarehalla anti-poaching camp in the Kothanur zone
- Explosives reportedly used
- Dynamite and gelatin sticks
- Other targeted camps
- Minchinahalli, Bheemeshwari, Ollemarada Hatti, Budikere, Bandahalli and Kalidoddi
- Reported casualties in camp attacks
- No injuries
- August 15 deaths
- Anthony Samy, John Rose Peter and Kumar
- Karnataka’s account
- Forest personnel allegedly fired in self-defence after coming under fire during an anti-poaching operation
- Investigation status
- An inquiry into the August 15 shooting was ongoing
Quotes
D. K. Shivakumar
Chief Minister of Karnataka
“We are not going to speak about it now. They (forest officials) are giving various pieces of information, but an investigation is underway. We are going very deep into the matter. Let the report come after the investigation, and then I will speak about it, Shivakumar told reporters in Bengaluru.”
deccanchronicle.com
“The explanation given by the Karnataka Forest Department regarding the incident is unacceptable.”
deccanchronicle.com
Sources
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