Three poachers killed in encounter with forest personnel in Karnataka

Mangalore Today News Network

Chamarajanagar, Aug. 15, 2026: Three alleged poachers were killed in an exchange of fire with forest department personnel in the Holemuradatti forest area near Shaagya in the Hanur Wildlife Range of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary on Friday night.

The deceased have been identified as Anthoni Swamy, Peter, and Kumar. Two of them died at the scene, while the third succumbed to injuries while being shifted to a hospital in Kollegal.

A forest department staff member was also injured during the incident.

According to officials, a group of six poachers had allegedly hunted a deer in the forest. Forest personnel on patrol rushed to the spot after receiving information about the activity. The poachers reportedly opened fire on the officials, prompting the forest staff to retaliate.

Senior forest officials visited the site and initiated further legal and administrative procedures.

Tension prevailed in Shaagya village following the incident, as relatives of the deceased and local residents staged a protest outside the forest department office, allegedly throwing office belongings outside the premises.

Police security has been intensified around the forest department office as a precautionary measure to maintain law and order.