The incident happened early Saturday morning near Hanur, when the team intercepted the group carrying deer meat. One poacher escaped, and a forest official, Sivaraj, was injured. The four poachers were armed with country-made guns; and the patrol team of seven returned fire. The dead have been identified: Antony Swamy, 50; John Rose Peter, 42; and Kumar, 33. The survivor, Mahima Das, 45, is now on the run. Authorities have seized the meat and sent it for forensic verification. This isn’t just about poaching; it’s about the dangers forest guards face daily, often with minimal backup and outdated gear. The fact that they were hunting deer (not endangered species) shows how brazen illegal hunting has become. And yet, the forest department continues to patrol risky zones; often at night, with little public recognition. The real story here? It’s the silence around forest staff who risk everything; not just for wildlife, but for our ecosystems. Next time you hear about a forest encounter, remember: behind every headline is an officer who chose to stand guard; even when bullets fly.