Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Leader of Opposition in Karnataka R. Ashoka on Wednesday, 19 August strongly condemned the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly over the killing of three alleged poachers in an encounter near Hanur in Chamarajanagar district, asserting that the matter falls squarely within Karnataka's jurisdiction.

Ashoka's Objection to the TN Resolution

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Ashoka declared: 'The Tamil Nadu Assembly has passed a resolution. This resolution is an insult to our state. This is an issue concerning Karnataka, and it has to be resolved here.' He cautioned against allowing the incident to be framed as a linguistic dispute, saying, 'They are trying to make it an issue of language. Tamil Nadu leaders doing this is not correct.'

Ashoka also questioned reports that the Tamil Nadu government intended to provide compensation of ₹15 lakh to ₹20 lakh to the families of the deceased, who were, according to him, registered voters in Karnataka. 'If they say they will provide ₹15 lakh to ₹20 lakh as compensation, this is not good culture,' he said.

Allegations Against the Karnataka Government

While opposing Tamil Nadu's intervention, Ashoka simultaneously trained his sights on the ruling Karnataka government, alleging a cover-up. 'The Forest Department's blunder is evident in this case. Documents are being released every day,' he said. He also cited an alleged video purportedly released by a survivor of the incident, in which the individual claimed fear of the police had prevented him from coming forward.

'All these developments indicate that the Karnataka government is hushing up something,' Ashoka alleged. He argued that a prompt and transparent inquiry at the outset would have pre-empted the current controversy. 'If the Karnataka government had conducted an inquiry, this crisis would not have happened. They have given a weapon to the Tamil Nadu government,' he said, urging the state to order a comprehensive investigation and make the findings public.

Forest Department's Account of the Encounter

Forest officials have maintained that their personnel fired in self-defence during an operation in the Hanur forest area in the early hours of 15 August. Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Mariswamy said the operation began around 5 am after forest staff received information the previous night about torchlight movement and gunshots deep inside the forest.

Two teams were formed and proceeded on foot into the forest after parking their vehicles. Personnel climbed Karadikalgudda to monitor the suspects' movements and, according to Mariswamy, issued warnings before the alleged poachers opened fire — prompting the retaliatory firing. Three persons were subsequently found with bullet injuries.

Mariswamy noted the location was approximately five kilometres inside the forest from the nearest village, requiring a walk of seven to eight kilometres. 'There was no necessity for them to go so deep into the forest,' he said, alleging the group had entered in a 'systematic and organised manner' for hunting.

Evidence Seized at the Scene

The Karnataka Forest Department seized several items from the spot and from bags allegedly carried by the group. These included food items, country-made guns, ammunition, footwear, and other materials reportedly consistent with a planned multi-day hunting expedition. Officials said the presence of food supplies indicated the group had intended to remain inside the forest for several days.

What Happens Next

Demands for a detailed independent investigation into the three deaths continue to grow, with opposition parties and Tamil Nadu leaders pressing for answers on the circumstances of the firing. The Karnataka government has not yet announced a formal inquiry. Ashoka's call for transparency — and his simultaneous attack on Tamil Nadu's intervention — reflects the dual political pressure the state government now faces: from its own opposition at home and from a neighbouring state assembly's formal resolution abroad.