Christian Community Seeks Judicial Enquiry into Deaths of Three Men in Hanur

Bengaluru, AUGUST 17, 2026: The Christian Community has called for an independent judicial enquiry into the deaths of three men who were reportedly shot by Forest Department personnel in the Chikkallur Reserved Forest area of the Cauvery Wildlife Division in Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district.

Archbishop Peter Machado calls for an independent investigation

In a press statement dated 17 August 2026, Most Rev. Dr Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore, expressed deep shock and concern over the deaths of Antony Swamy (50), John Rose Peter (42), and Anthony Kumar (33).

The three men, residents of Hanur taluk, were shot in the early hours of Sunday. Archbishop Machado offered condolences and prayers to their families while calling for the circumstances surrounding the incident to be examined independently.

Questions over the use of lethal force

The statement stressed that the Christian Community does not condone trespassing, poaching, hunting or other unlawful activities in protected forest areas. However, it argued that such allegations alone cannot justify the use of lethal force.

According to the Archbishop, any use of firearms by law-enforcement or forest personnel must be strictly necessary, proportionate and consistent with the law.

The statement raised questions about whether Forest Department personnel faced an immediate and credible threat to their lives and whether the use of lethal force was unavoidable.

It called for these questions to be addressed through an impartial and transparent investigation rather than through competing accounts or assumptions.

Concern over the FIR

The Christian Community also expressed concern over the handling of the case.

According to the statement, an FIR was registered by Hanur Police following a complaint by Lourde Mary, wife of deceased Antony. A murder case has reportedly been registered, but no individual Forest Department personnel have been named as accused.

The Archbishop said the circumstances warranted a thorough examination of the actions of all personnel involved.

Appeal for justice and support

Archbishop Machado has urged the Government of Karnataka to establish an independent judicial enquiry headed by a sitting judge.

The proposed enquiry, he said, should establish the facts, determine accountability and ensure justice for the deceased and their families.

The Archbishop has also called for adequate compensation for the bereaved families and employment for an eligible member of each family as immediate humanitarian assistance.

The appeal comes amid demands for greater clarity over the circumstances of the deaths, with the Christian Community maintaining that an independent judicial process is necessary to establish the truth and uphold the principles of justice and accountability.

By Catholic Connect Reporter

Picture Courtesy : Indian Express (Special Arrangement)