Udupi: Catholic Sabha Udupi Pradesh president Melwyn Aranha Shirva has urged the Karnataka government to order a high-level investigation into the shooting incident in the Chikkallur Reserve Forest area of Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, in which three persons were killed allegedly after forest department personnel opened fire.
The deceased have been identified as Antony Swamy (50), John Rose Peter (42) and Antony Kumar (33), all residents of Hanur taluk.
Melwyn Aranha calls for fair investigation
Expressing shock over the incident, Aranha said the government must establish the facts through a fair investigation and ensure justice for the families of the deceased.
The three men were reportedly killed after forest department personnel opened fire in the Chikkallur Reserve Forest area under the Cauvery Wildlife Division early on Saturday.
Aranha said that even if the deceased had allegedly committed an offence, shooting them dead could not be justified.
‘Illegal activities cannot be supported’
Aranha clarified that the Christian community does not support illegal entry into protected forest areas, hunting, poaching or any other unlawful activities.
“At the same time, opening fire and killing people for any alleged offence cannot be considered an appropriate course of action. The conduct of the forest officials and personnel cannot be condoned,” he said.
He said the state government has a responsibility to determine what led to the incident and ensure justice for the bereaved families.
Compensation and jobs sought for families
Aranha urged the government to immediately order a high-level probe and take appropriate action against officials found responsible.
He also demanded maximum compensation from the Forest Department for the families of the deceased.
As part of the relief measures, Aranha sought government employment for one member of each of the three affected families, saying the move would provide support to those who have lost their loved ones.
