Mysuru: The post-mortem reports of three alleged poachers killed in an encounter with Forest Department personnel in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Hanur taluk indicate that they were shot at close range, according to sources.
The deceased have been identified as Kumar of Thomiyar Palya, Anthony Swamy and Peter of Mariyamangala village.
Reports detail bullet injuries
According to the reports, Kumar sustained a bullet injury to his chest and was allegedly shot from close range. Pellets were also found in his left chest and right thigh. He is suspected to have died due to severe blood loss.
Anthony Swamy’s post-mortem report reportedly mentions bullet injuries to his chest, neck and stomach.
Peter was also found to have sustained gunshot injuries to his chest, neck and thighs, with the reports indicating close-range firing.
FSL report awaited
Dr Dayanand, professor in the Department of Forensic Science, said the necessary details had been provided to the police to assist their investigation.
He said the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) report is still awaited and, therefore, it is not possible to establish the exact cause of death at this stage.
The post-mortems were conducted at KR Hospital in Mysuru on August 16.
Families had protested
Family members of the deceased had staged a protest following the deaths and initially opposed the post-mortem examinations.
They were later persuaded after authorities announced compensation, following which the families agreed to the post-mortems.
The forensic findings and the pending FSL report are expected to assist the police inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the encounter and the deaths.