BJP seeks CBI probe into Hanur forest firing
Karnataka BJP president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Monday demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the August 15 shooting in Hanur, Chamarajnagar, in which three people were killed and a fourth, Mahima Das, was injured. Vijayendra argued that an impartial investigation required independence from state government departments. "If the investigation is to be impartial, it must be free from the influence of departments under the State Government," he said, according to Deccan Chronicle.
The incident occurred around 5.30 am in Hanur, involving night patrolling personnel attached to the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. The three deceased have been described as alleged poachers or suspected poachers in reports from Deccan Chronicle and Lokmat Times. ANI reported that Vijayendra claimed none of the three had a criminal background or were habitual offenders.
Questions over post-mortem and survivor's whereabouts
Vijayendra questioned why the post-mortem reports had not been made public, alleging that the bodies were "hurriedly sent for post-mortem examination" and that the government had received the report but was withholding it. He displayed photographs that he said indicated the victims were shot from close range, including marks on the back of the neck, and cited experts who, according to him, suggested the firing was not from long range.
He also pressed for information on Mahima Das, the person who survived the firing. Vijayendra described Das as both a prime suspect and a prime witness, and alleged that the Forest Department and police were keeping him hidden. "Why is Mahima Das being kept away? Because he is the prime suspect as well as the prime witness," he said, as reported by ANI. Deccan Chronicle quoted him asking, "The Government must disclose where Mahamadas is."
Demands for compensation and resignation
Vijayendra demanded Rs 1 crore ex gratia for the families of the deceased, noting that they belonged to poor families. He called for the resignation of Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy over the incident. He also alleged that there was public discussion questioning whether the shootout was a government-sponsored killing, and accused the state government of attempting to suppress the truth, according to Lokmat Times.
He referred to a BJP fact-finding team headed by former minister Mahesh Tenginakai that visited the spot, and to statements by MP Sunil Bhosale, who reportedly said that prima facie forest officials had committed lapses. He also cited statements by MP Sunil Bose and district in-charge minister Puttarangashetty, who, according to Vijayendra, first acknowledged a mistake and then changed his statement.
Wider political context
In addition to the Hanur incident, Vijayendra urged Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi to raise the issue, and criticized the installation of Tipu Sultan cut-outs in Chikkamagaluru, demanding strict action. He challenged Home Minister Priyank Kharge to act, saying that those arrested should not get bail easily. He also demanded an investigation into whether the deceased had information about irregularities in the Forest Department.
Perspectives
BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra
Vijayendra demands a CBI probe, release of post-mortem reports, and the resignation of Forest Minister Ramalinga Reddy. He alleges that the state government is attempting to suppress the truth and that the survivor, Mahima Das, is being kept hidden by authorities. He also claims the deceased were not habitual offenders and questions whether the shooting was a government-sponsored killing.