Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay has strongly condemned the killing of three Tamil men during an alleged clash with Karnataka Forest Department officials in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.
The three victims were identified as Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter and Kumar. They were from Tamil Nadu but had been living in Hanur taluk in Karnataka. According to reports, the three men were shot dead on August 14 during an encounter with forest officials.
The incident has caused concern in both Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, with questions being raised about what happened during the clash and whether the use of force was justified.
In a statement, Vijay described the deaths as unacceptable and called for a fair and detailed investigation. He said the facts surrounding the incident must be established and that those found responsible should face appropriate action.
The Chief Minister also urged the Karnataka government to provide support to the families of the three victims. He called for necessary measures to ensure that similar incidents do not happen again.
The issue has also become a subject of political debate in Tamil Nadu. Earlier, DMK leader M.K. Stalin criticized Vijay for not responding to the incident sooner. Stalin demanded compensation for the families of the deceased and called for government jobs for eligible family members.
Stalin also accused the Karnataka government of attempting to protect the officials involved in the incident. He demanded a judicial inquiry to ensure that the investigation is independent and transparent.
The deaths have raised concerns among Tamil communities living near the Tamil Nadu-Karnataka border. Residents are seeking clarity about the circumstances that led to the confrontation and want authorities to ensure accountability.
The incident could also add to existing tensions between the two states, which have faced disagreements over issues involving the Cauvery River, border areas and forest regions.
As calls for an investigation grow, attention is now focused on the Karnataka government’s response and the findings of the inquiry. The families of the victims are seeking justice, compensation and answers about how their relatives died.
Both governments will face pressure to handle the matter carefully, ensure a transparent investigation and take steps to prevent similar incidents in the future.