India, Aug. 21 -- Aug. 15 forest encounter

Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Dr. Malathi Priya has clarified that Forest Department personnel opened fire in self-defence in the early hours of Aug. 15 only after being attacked by suspected poachers during the encounter in Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary. Three men were killed in the encounter. Addressing the media for the first time on the incident, she said two country-made guns and animal meat were recovered from the spot. "Based on the evidence found, it is certain that those who entered the forest were poachers," she said.

Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Dr. Malathi Priya rejected claims by the families of the deceased that the men had entered the forest in search cattle. "Since Aug. ...