Udhayanidhi Stalin Demands Judicial Inquiry into Deaths of Three Tamils by Karnataka Forest Personnel
Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin has called for a high-level judicial probe into the killing of three Tamils by Karnataka State Forest Department personnel, objecting to an investigation handled solely by the Karnataka State police.
What Happened
Speaking in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly in Chennai on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, Udhayanidhi Stalin brought up the deaths of three Tamil men—identified as Antonysamy, John Rose Peter, and Kumar. The incident reportedly occurred during an alleged exchange of fire involving personnel of the Karnataka State Forest Department.
Citing findings from the post-mortem report, Mr. Udhayanidhi stated that the deceased men had been tortured prior to being shot at point-blank range, noting that their ribs were broken. Based on these details, he asserted that the documentation indicates the men were brutally murdered.
Key Highlights
- Demand for a high-level judicial inquiry instead of an investigation by the Karnataka police.
- Victims identified as Antonysamy, John Rose Peter, and Kumar.
- Post-mortem details cited in the Assembly alleging torture, broken ribs, and point-blank gunfire.
- Questions raised over whether Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay officially registered condemnation during his recent meeting with Karnataka counterpart D.K. Shivakumar.
- Calls for the state administration to provide financial aid, legal assistance, and ministerial visits to the victims’ families.
Why This Matters
The issue raises serious inter-state concerns regarding accountability and the treatment of citizens across state borders. In the Assembly, Mr. Udhayanidhi questioned whether the Tamil Nadu government had officially contacted Karnataka to demand an explanation. He also raised questions over whether Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay expressed condemnation when meeting Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar during the latter’s visit to Tamil Nadu a few days earlier, emphasizing the need for direct state support, compensation, and legal backing for the bereaved families.
What to Watch Next
Assembly Speaker J.C.P. Prabhakar announced that the House will hold an elaborate discussion on the incident once Ministers are fully prepared with an official reply. The Speaker pointed out that the state Law Minister and Forest Minister had previously addressed the issue in the House.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the three victims in the incident?
The three deceased individuals were identified as Antonysamy, John Rose Peter, and Kumar.
What specific inquiry did Udhayanidhi Stalin demand?
He demanded an independent, high-level judicial inquiry rather than a probe conducted by the Karnataka State police.
What did the post-mortem report reveal according to the Assembly statement?
According to Mr. Udhayanidhi, the post-mortem examination showed that the men suffered broken ribs, were subjected to torture, and were shot at point-blank range.
Source: Based on reporting from The Hindu.