Karnataka BJP President Demands CBI Probe Into Hanur Shootout

BENGALURU: Expressing doubts over the shooting down of 3 suspected poachers by night patrolling personnel attached to Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Hanur of Chamarajnagar on August 15 at around 5.30 am, State Bharatiya Janata Party president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Monday demanded the State Government to hand over the investigation to the sleuths of Central Bureau of Investigation “if the investigation is to be impartial, it must be free from the influence of departments under the State Government.”

“The Hanur shootout case should immediately be handed over to the CBI. The investigation must be conducted transparently and the truth must be placed before the people of Karnataka,” he demanded and sought Rs 1 crore ex gratia amount for the bereaved families in the shootout.

“Those killed in the en counter belonged to poor families. Their families are now facing severe difficulties. From a humanitarian perspective, the government should provide Rs 1crore to the kith and kin of the deceased families,” he said and alleged that there is even discussion in public circles questioning whether Hanur shootout was a government-sponsored killing. "The State Government must answer these serious allegations.”

Vijayendra demanded the resignation of Minister of Forest Ramalinga Reddy over the Hanur shootout and claimed those killed in the encounter were not habitual offenders or persons who were continuously involved in criminal activities.

He questioned the State Government over the whereabouts of Mahimadas, who managed to escape during the encounter with forest patrolling team when 3 of his associates were shot dead. “Mahimadas could be a key witness in this case. There is a suspicion that the forest department may be attempting to keep him out of public view.” The State BJP Chief wanted “The Government must disclose where Mahamadas is.”