Hanur wildlife range conflict and investigation

In the Hanur Wildlife Range of Karnataka’s Cauvery Wildlife Division, a series of incidents involving forest officials and local residents has escalated. Following the killing of three Tamil residents in the sanctuary area—an event described by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay as a ‘massacre’—forest officials conducted a combing operation on August 15, 2026. This operation resulted in the seizure of 20 to 30 kg of wild animal meat, four tents, and other materials.

The operation was marked by significant vandalism, with miscreants damaging seven anti-poaching camp sheds, nine residential houses, and several government vehicles.

Subsequently, the bodies of three forest department personnel killed during a shootout in Hanur were transferred to their home village following post-mortem examinations at Mysore K.R. Hospital. The autopsies were initially delayed due to protests from families who demanded the presence of high-ranking officials, including the Chief Minister and the Forest Minister. Police have filed an FIR against forest department staff and are utilizing post-mortem reports to continue their investigation.