Three people were killed in an encounter involving Karnataka Forest Department personnel in Chamarajanagar district, after they allegedly went for illegal hunting in a forest area.
According to reports, the incident occurred on Thursday night near Shakya in the Hanur forest region, which falls under the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. The group is said to have hunted a deer and was dividing the meat when forest staff on patrol reached the spot.
Officials said the group opened fire at the patrol team, following which forest personnel retaliated. One person reportedly escaped, while three were shot dead during the exchange.
After the incident, relatives of the deceased and local villagers surrounded a forest department office, threw out items kept there and staged a road blockade. Police security has been strengthened around the office as a precaution amid a tense situation.
