Wildlife Sanctuary Deaths: Autopsy Reveals Close-Range Shots

Postmortem examinations of three villagers who died during a forest department operation in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary on August 15 revealed they suffered fatal haemorrhagic shock from multiple close-range shotgun injuries. Sebastian David Kumar, 36, sustained wounds to the chest and thigh, causing rib fractures and severe heart damage. Anthony Swamy had approximately 50 pellet injuries in his abdominal region, with evidence suggesting a shotgun entry wound surrounded by satellite pellets.

Forensic experts at Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute conducted the autopsies, concluding all victims were shot at close range, with gunpowder traces detected near the wounds. The estimated time of death spanned from the morning of August 14 to the morning of August 15. Medical experts noted the downward trajectory of wounds suggested an upward-to-downward angle, with some speculating the victims might have been restrained before being shot. These findings have intensified scrutiny on the incident, which occurred in the Hanur region, with one complaint alleging the victims were shot while asleep. Forest personnel maintain they acted in self-defence against armed individuals.