Bengaluru, Aug 24 (IANS) Karnataka BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Monday alleged that several questions have emerged over the Hanur forest shooting incident in Chamarajanagar district, in which three alleged poachers were killed in an encounter.
He accused the state government of attempting to suppress the truth and demanded the resignation of Forest and Ecology Minister Ramalinga Reddy, along with a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Addressing a press conference at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Vijayendra said the BJP had already constituted a fact‑finding committee to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident. The committee visited the spot and gathered information, following which several serious questions and doubts had emerged, he said.
Vijayendra questioned why the post‑mortem reports of those killed had not been made public. “The bodies were hurriedly sent for post‑mortem examination. Even then, the report has not been made public. The government must explain why it is not releasing it,” he said.
Displaying photographs of the incident, Vijayendra alleged that they appeared to show the deceased had been shot from extremely close range, with the gun allegedly placed near the shoulder. He also raised questions over marks on the back of the neck, which he claimed indicated firing from close range.
“According to experts, this does not appear to be a case where shots were fired from a long range. There is a possibility that the firing took place from close range. We have information that the doctors who conducted the post‑mortem have also mentioned this aspect in their report. If so, why is the government not making the report public?” he asked.
He said the circumstances raised doubts over whether the incident was a routine encounter or whether there was another reason behind it. Vijayendra claimed that those killed were not habitual offenders or continuously involved in criminal activities.
He also sought clarity on the whereabouts of a person identified as Mahim Das, who had reportedly gone into the forest. “Mahim Das could be a key witness. There is suspicion that the Forest Department and police may be trying to keep him away from the public. The government must disclose where he is,” he said.
Vijayendra referred to statements allegedly made by local MP Sunil Bose, who, he said, had initially stated that Forest Department officials were at fault. He also alleged that district in‑charge minister Puttarangashetty had first suggested there had been a mistake, but later changed his statement in the Assembly.
“Why was there a need to first say a mistake had occurred and then change the statement in the Assembly? Such developments have raised further doubts,” Vijayendra said.
He demanded an investigation into whether irregularities were taking place within the Forest Department and whether those targeted had information about them. “Were they fired upon for that reason? These aspects must also be investigated,” he said.
Vijayendra alleged that public discussion included claims of a “state‑sponsored killing” and said the government must answer these serious allegations. He demanded the immediate resignation of the Forest Minister, citing questions over the role of the department.
He said an impartial investigation would not be possible if the probe remained under the influence of state‑controlled departments. “Therefore, this case should be handed over to the CBI,” he demanded.
Vijayendra also demanded Rs 1 crore compensation for the family of each person killed in the encounter. “The deceased belonged to poor families and their families are now facing difficulties. On humanitarian grounds, the government should provide Rs 1 crore compensation to each family. It should also provide appropriate assistance and employment to family members,” he said.
He urged Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and LoP in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to raise their voice and ask the state government to provide relief to the affected families.
Vijayendra also criticised the state government over the installation of around 40 cut‑outs of Tipu Sultan in Chikkamagaluru city. “Is there law in this state? Is there a Home Minister? The government must take strict action against those indulging in acts such as sedition. The government must show the courage to arrest those violating the law and initiate stringent legal action,” he said.
He urged the government to ensure such incidents did not recur and not compromise on law and order. “If the government wants to restore people’s trust, particularly that of the Hindu community, it must take strict action against those who violate the law. Those arrested should not be able to easily come out on bail. The law must take its course firmly,” Vijayendra said, challenging Home Minister Priyank Kharge to act.
Vijayendra reiterated that the government must disclose facts surrounding the Hanur shooting, release the post‑mortem reports, provide compensation to victims’ families and immediately hand over the case to the CBI for an impartial investigation.
--IANS
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