Media Release

Udupi, Aug 18: Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh president Melwyn Aranha Shirva has urged the Karnataka government to order a high-level investigation into the shooting incident in the Chikkallur Reserve Forest area of Hanur taluk in Chamarajanagar district, in which three persons were killed allegedly after forest department personnel opened fire.

Expressing shock over the incident, Aranha said the government must conduct a fair investigation into the matter and ensure justice for the affected families.

The deceased have been identified as Antony Swamy (50), John Rose Peter (42), and Antony Kumar (33), residents of Hanur taluk. They were reportedly killed after forest department personnel opened fire in the Chikkallur Reserve Forest area under the Cauvery Wildlife Division early on Saturday.

Aranha said that even if the deceased had committed any offence, shooting them dead could not be justified. He clarified that the Christian community does not support illegal entry into protected forest areas, hunting, poaching or any other unlawful activities.

“At the same time, opening fire and killing people for any alleged offence cannot be considered an appropriate course of action. The conduct of the forest officials and personnel cannot be condoned,” he said.

He stated that the state government has a responsibility to establish the facts surrounding the incident and ensure justice for the families of the deceased.

Aranha urged the government to immediately order a high-level probe, take appropriate action against officials found responsible, and provide maximum compensation from the Forest Department to the bereaved families.

He also demanded that one member from each of the three affected families be provided government employment as part of the relief measures.