Karnataka forest encounter autopsies challenge self-defence claims

Autopsy reports from a fatal encounter in the Chikkallur reserved forest area have raised questions regarding the Karnataka Forest Department’s claims of self-defence. Three men—Anthony Swamy, John Rose Peter, and Sebastian David Kumar—were shot dead by officials on August 15 in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.

While Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy and department officials stated the shots were fired in self-defence after alleged poachers ignored commands to surrender, preliminary wound ballistics findings suggest otherwise. Forensic examinations indicate that two of the deceased were shot from extremely close range, potentially between one and two feet.

A fourth individual, Joseph Mahima Das, has disputed the official account, claiming he fled the scene after officials opened fire. The investigation into the incident has been transferred to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).