Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay on Sunday night strongly condemned the killing of three Tamils in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Chamarajanagar district by the Karnataka Forest Department (in an alleged exchange of fire on Saturday).

In a post on X, Mr. Vijay said Anthony Sami, John Rose Peter and Kumar, who hail from Tamil Nadu, had been living in Hanur taluk of Karnataka. “They were shot dead by Karnataka Forest Department personnel in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary area in the early hours of August 15. I strongly condemn this killing. The explanation given by the Karnataka Forest Department regarding the incident is unacceptable,” he said.

Mr. Vijay also demanded an impartial inquiry into the incident and the constitution of a high-level inquiry committee. Those responsible for the killing should be punished, he said, adding the Karnataka government should provide all necessary assistance to the families of the victims.

He also urged the Karnataka government to take appropriate measures to ensure that such an incident does not recur.

Published - August 16, 2026 10:28 pm IST