Aug. 15 forest encounter

Chamarajanagar / Bengaluru: Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Dr. Malathi Priya has clarified that Forest Department personnel opened fire in self-defence in the early hours of Aug. 15 only after being attacked by suspected poachers during the encounter in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Three men were killed in the encounter. Addressing the media for the first time on the incident, she said two country-made guns and animal meat were recovered from the spot. “Based on the evidence found, it is certain that those who entered the forest were poachers,” she said.

Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Dr. Malathi Priya rejected claims by the families of the deceased that the men had entered the forest in search cattle. “Since Aug. 15, we have been conducting continuous searches in the forest. No cattle have been found nor have we found any carcasses. The search is still continuing,” she said.

Dr. Malathi Priya said that following the incident, miscreants vandalised eight anti-poaching camps and nine residential quarters and set fire to about two hectares of forest land. “We are working to restore the morale of our staff,” she added.

She confirmed that the deceased had no previous criminal cases, except Mahimadas, who was facing a case related to illegal fishing. She also said the Forest Department had registered a case over the fire set in the Shilvepur forest.

Magisterial inquiry report tomorrow

Meanwhile, Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister R. Ramalinga Reddy said in Bengaluru yesterday that the magisterial inquiry report into the shooting incident is expected on Aug. 22.

“CM D.K. Shivakumar has ordered a thorough investigation into the Hanur shootout case. He has already ordered a magisterial inquiry. We will examine the report and take necessary action,” Reddy said. He added that action would be taken if any lapses were found. The Minister said villagers had ransacked and set fire to eight anti-poaching camps following alleged exchange of fire with Forest personnel in the early hours of Aug. 15. Vehicles, including one four-wheeler and four two-wheelers, were damaged.

A Police complaint has been filed over the damage to Forest Department property and action will be taken against those responsible, he said. “Investigation is on to probe if gelatine sticks were used to blow up the camps,” Reddy said.