Chikkamagaluru witnessed the arrest of two priests, Krishnananda Holla and Nagendra Jois, from the Markandeshwara temple in Khandya. The forest department apprehended them for allegedly wearing tiger claw pendants. The officers seized three such pendants from the priests, while two other individuals are under interrogation.
Testing for Authenticity
The tiger claws seized will undergo testing at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). The court is expected to review the bail petition filed by Varthur Santhosh, who was taken into custody on October 22 during the Kannada Big Boss Reality show for wearing a tiger claw pendant.
Public Outcry Over Selective Enforcement
Santhosh’s arrest sparked public outrage, with individuals pointing out the use of tiger claw pendants by various celebrities and politicians without consequences. Among those mentioned were religious seer Vinay Guruji, who was seen sitting on a tiger’s skin. The forest department initiated inspections and searches at the residences of the celebrities involved.
Notable Personalities Expected to Respond
Prominent figures like Kannada superstar Darshan, actor and politician Nikhil Kumaraswamy, and film producer Rockline Venkatesh are anticipated to submit written responses to forest department authorities. Additionally, film actor and BJP Rajya Sabha member Jaggesh is set to meet with authorities regarding the case, emphasizing that the tiger claw pendant he possesses is indeed genuine.
