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Days after Varthur Santhosh, a contestant on Bigg Boss Kannada, was arrested for allegedly wearing a tiger claw pendant inside the house where the show is being shot, images and videos have surfaced of several politicians and actors with similar pendants.
Complaints have been filed against Karnataka Rajya Sabha MP Jaggesh, JD(S) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy (both actors-turned-politicians), actor Darshan, producer Rockline Venkatesh and others seeking action against them for wearing such pendants in violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
In a video interview given to a channel two years ago, Jaggesh was seen showing his tiger claw pendant and saying that it was a gift from his mother on his 20th birthday. “It is made of original tiger claw as she wanted her son to be like a tiger,” the BJP leader said in the interview.
ಅರಣ್ಯ ಅಧಿಕಾರಿಗಳೇ ಈ ಬಿಜೆಪಿ ಪಕ್ಷದ ನಾಯಕ ಏನೋ ಹೇಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದಾರೆ ನೋಡಿ..#TigerClaw #SaveTiger pic.twitter.com/wgqX4egEYI
— DEEPU GOWDRU (@DEEPUVAJRAMUNI) October 24, 2023
While the MP is yet to respond, Nikhil Kumaraswamy said that the tiger claw pendant he is seen wearing is “fake and not real. It was a gift for my wedding. I still have it. Concerned authorities can verify,” he said.
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Among the images shared on social media include that of some seers seated on tiger pelts. Based on these images, the Vande Mataram Samaja Seva Sansthe has filed a complaint with Forest Department officials seeking action against those violating the 1972 Act.
Responding to the developments, Karnataka Forest, Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre said that the department would initiate action if a complaint is filed with relevant documents. “We will act as per law,” he said, adding that there have been instances of tiger and elephant poaching in the state.
Varthur Santhosh was arrested on October 23 after the forest department received a complaint against him for wearing the tiger claw pendant. His supporters have also staged a protest demanding action against all politicians and celebrities photographed with such pendants.
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