Questions raised over lack of prior warning, close-range gunshots
Chamarajanagar: The magisterial inquiry into the Aug. 15 shootout at the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary has raised serious questions over whether forest personnel followed the prescribed standard operating procedures (SOPs) while opening fire.
According to the report, forest personnel were required to first warn the poachers to surrender. If they refused, shots were to be fired into the air to intimidate them. Only when their lives were under threat could personnel aim at legs. However, the report notes that bullets struck the chest, ribs and legs of victims.
Senior officer not present
The report also states that firing at night is prohibited as targets cannot be clearly identified and that such action requires the presence and orders of a senior officer at the scene.
In this case, however, the senior officer was reportedly near a jeep at the foot of the hill rather than at the firing spot. The report further notes that only one forest staffer opened fire. The inquiry has also highlighted contradictions in the accounts of the incident. While the Forest Department claimed that three rounds were fired, survivor Mahimadas reportedly told the inquiry officer that eight rounds were fired.
No warning before opening fire
He alleged that Antony Swamy and Sebastian David Kumar were hit by two bullets each, John Rose Peter by one, while three rounds were fired at him, though he escaped unhurt. Mahimadas also alleged that the forest personnel gave no warning and opened fire suddenly while the men were lying down.
Post-mortem findings reportedly indicated that the victims were shot from close range, a finding that has raised further questions over the Forest Department’s version of events.
Mahimadas maintained that he was fired upon from close quarters near Karadikallu Gudda. Forest personnel, however, maintained that they had opened fire in self-defence and submitted two seized guns as evidence.
Ballistic reports awaited
The inquiry officer is yet to receive the fingerprint, forensic and ballistic examination reports. Testimonies of Mahimadas and the forest personnel have also revealed significant discrepancies, making it difficult to arrive at a conclusion at this stage.
In view of the unresolved issues, the Government has reportedly recommended a higher-level investigation. The inquiry report has been prepared based on scene inspection, statements of forest staff and Mahimadas and post-mortem findings, with a recommendation for further investigation at a higher level.
This post was published on August 29, 2026 7:30 pm