Poacher dies as T.N. Forest officials open fire in Theni; judicial probe ordered

Forest officials in Theni district shot dead an alleged poacher, Eswaran, on Sun. Oct 29, 2023. Intel suggested people had attempted to enter the forest area, so the team increased vigil. When confronted, Eswaran attacked the officials, prompting them to open fire, resulting in his death. A case has been registered and a judicial probe ordered.

An alleged poacher, identified as Eswaran, who had trespassed into the reserve forest area in Gudalur in Theni district, was shot dead by the Forest department officials on Sunday, October 29, 2023.

Forest officials said following a specific intelligence that some people had attempted to sneak into the forest area, they had intensified the vigil. The team spotted a poacher who was carrying a wild animal. When confronted, he allegedly attacked the forest officials.

Following this, using the duty weapon forest officials had opened fire in which Eswaran had died.

The Kumuli police have registered a case.

A judicial probe has also been ordered and the Uthamapalayam Judicial Magistrate is conducting the inquiry.