Tension prevailed in Hanur in Chamarajanagar district of Karnataka on August 15 after a group of people allegedly ransacked the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary office following the death of three suspected poachers in an alleged shoot-out inside the forest.

Angry villagers and well-wishers of the deceased allegedly vandalised the office in protest against the deaths. Among other things, the department’s name board was damaged.

A large number of people gathered outside the office, prompting police to deploy personnel at the premises as a precautionary measure. Three platoons of reserve police have been stationed in Hanur to prevent any untoward incident.

The alleged shoot-out, in which three suspected poachers were killed, took place late on August 14 night in the Holemuradatti forest in Shagya limits under the Hanur Wildlife Division.

According to reports reaching Mysuru, a group of six suspected poachers allegedly opened fire at forest personnel on night patrol when they were told to surrender. The group was suspected of killing a wild animal.

Forest personnel allegedly retaliated, killing three of the suspects. While two died on the spot, another succumbed to his injuries while being taken to a hospital in Kollegal, according to reports reaching Mysuru. A Forest Department personnel was injured in the incident.

The deceased have been identified as Anthonyswamy, Peter and Kumar. Further details are awaited.

Published - August 15, 2026 01:24 pm IST