Chennai, Aug 27:
PMK president Anbumani Ramadoss has demanded a CBI investigation into the alleged shooting of three Tamil-origin farmers by Karnataka forest department personnel in Hanur taluk of Chamarajanagar district, describing the official version of the incident as unacceptable and seeking stringent action against those responsible.
The three victims — Anthony Raj, John and Kumar — were reportedly residents of Thomaiyarpalayam village in Hanur taluk. According to allegations raised by political leaders and local residents, they had entered the forest area to search for missing cattle when they were allegedly shot dead by forest personnel.
The Karnataka forest department has reportedly maintained that the men were involved in hunting and that the shooting occurred during an encounter. However, Anbumani rejected this version, claiming there was no evidence to establish that the three had hunted deer, possessed firearms or engaged in a confrontation with forest officials.
He said the circumstances surrounding the deaths required an independent investigation and argued that a magistrate-level inquiry would not be sufficient to establish the full facts.
The PMK leader demanded that the Central Bureau of Investigation take over the probe and identify those responsible for the deaths. He also sought compensation of Rs 1 crore each for the families of the victims.
Anbumani said the victims were descendants of Tamil families who had migrated to the Chamarajanagar region around a century ago after losing their lands and homes to acquisition for the construction of the Mettur dam.
The incident has triggered protests and tension in the region, with several political leaders questioning the circumstances that led to the deaths. The demand for a CBI inquiry has also been echoed by Left parties, which have called for action against the forest personnel allegedly involved.
Anbumani urged the Tamil Nadu government and Chief Minister Vijay to intervene strongly with the Karnataka government, ensure an impartial investigation and secure justice and adequate compensation for the bereaved families.