Mysuru: Postmortem examinations of the three villagers killed during a forest department operation in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary on Aug 15, revealed that they died of haemorrhagic shock caused by multiple shotgun injuries inflicted at close range.Sebastian David Kumar, 36, of Lassar Doddi village, sustained multiple shotgun wounds to the chest and thigh. The injuries caused fractures to his ribs and severe damage to the heart, leading to his death. The postmortem report stated that all the wounds were antemortem, indicating they were suffered while he was alive.Anthony Swamy was found to have around 50 pellet injuries in the abdominal region. Forensic experts identified a shotgun entry wound surrounded by multiple satellite pellet injuries. Swabs and skin samples from around the entry wound have been preserved for ballistic examination.Medical examination of John Rose Peter revealed extensive injuries from above the right collarbone down to the 12th rib. Sources said multiple pockets of air were detected in the liver, both kidneys, pancreas and abdominal blood vessels, indicating severe internal trauma.The postmortem, conducted by forensic experts at Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute (MMRCI) concluded that all three victims had been shot at close range. Traces of gunpowder were detected around the wounds, and samples have been preserved for further ballistic analysis. The findings have also raised questions about the timeline of the incident. According to medical experts, the estimated time of death was between 10.10am on Aug 14 and 10.10 am Aug 15, the day the bodies were kept in the cold storage at MMCRI mortuary.Experts examining the reports said the nature, location and downward trajectory of the wounds suggest the victims were shot from an upward-to-downward angle. Some experts indicated that the injuries could be consistent with the victims having been restrained before being shot, though further investigation is awaited.The findings have intensified scrutiny of the incident, which occurred in the Hanur region of the sanctuary. In a complaint to Hanur police, Lourdes Mary, wife of Anthony Swamy, alleged that the victims were shot while they were asleep in the forest. She cited Joseph Mahimadas, who was reportedly with the trio and claimed to have fled after hearing gunshots.Forest personnel, however, have maintained that they opened fire in self-defence after the three men allegedly shot at them while carrying firearms. The circumstances surrounding the deaths remain under investigation.
