Human rights groups are investigating the shooting of three people in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary

The Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary | Photo credit: File Photo

A network of human rights organizations will lead an investigative mission into the fatal shooting of three people at the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district in the early hours of August 20.

The two-day high-level fact-finding mission, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, October 26 and 27, will be jointly led by former Solapur Commissioner Harish Mangalal Baijal, IPS, and former Karnataka forest officer Raju, a former IFS officer. Representatives of several human rights organizations will be part of the mission.

In a press statement, People’s Watch Executive Director Henri Tiphagne said three farmers were killed and another person was injured in the firing involving personnel of the Karnataka Forest Department.

According to the statement of the deceased as Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter and Kumar alias Savariyappan, the fourth person, Mahimai Das, was allegedly injured and subsequently taken to the hospital.

The forest department reportedly claimed that the four men had illegally entered the forest to hunt wild animals and were carrying weapons. According to the department’s statement, the men tried to shoot at the forest personnel, who returned fire in self-defence.

However, family members of the deceased and others associated with them disputed the report. They claimed the men were farmers who had entered the forest in connection with their cattle, not to hunt wildlife, the statement said.

Therefore, the incident should not be seen only as a confrontation between forest personnel and alleged poachers, the statement said. It must also be reviewed from a human rights perspective, including whether the use of force by state officials that resulted in the loss of life was lawful, necessary and reasonable. The statement also indicated concerns that crucial facts surrounding the alleged encounter have yet to emerge.

The fact-finding mission would include human rights defenders from different states with expertise in different areas. The team plans to meet with affected families, eyewitnesses, people allegedly involved in the incident, government officials and others who may have relevant information.

It will also visit the site of the incident, record statements, collect and examine documents and establish facts to the extent possible, the statement said.

The findings would be compiled into a report for publication. Participating organizations would also seek free legal aid and appropriate follow-up measures to help those affected achieve justice, remedies and protection.

A joint investigative mission is being conducted by People’s Watch; Naam Tamilaru Human Rights Wing; Human Rights Defenders Alert India; Ashirvad, Karnataka; People’s Union for Civil Liberties; and Joint Action against Torture in Custody.

Published – 24 Oct 2026 20:06 IST