Bengaluru: The Karnataka Forest Department has taken action against several Kannada actors, including Darshan, Jaggesh, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, and Rockline Venkatesh, for wearing lockets made of tiger claw. This move comes after Forest Department officials recently arrested Kannada Bigg Boss contestant Varthur Santhosh for a similar offense.
Forest Department’s Notice:
On Wednesday, the Forest Department issued notices to the aforementioned actors after photos of them wearing these controversial lockets circulated online. The Forest Department has established four teams to investigate these complaints and issue notices.
Forest Department officer Ravindra Kumar stated, “We have received complaints asking to take action against people who possess tiger claw lockets. Divisional Forest Officers have powers to take action against people possessing illegal items under the Karnataka Forest Act and Wildlife Protection Act.”
Jaggesh’s Admission:
In an older interview, Kannada actor Jaggesh openly admitted that his locket was made from an original tiger claw and that it was a gift from his mother. This admission seems to have played a role in the Forest Department’s actions.
Darshan’s House Visited:
Forest department officials visited the residence of actor Darshan in RR Nagar, Bengaluru, and issued a notice to him in connection with the tiger claw locket case.
This development underscores the growing concern over the possession and display of items made from tiger claws, which are protected under wildlife conservation laws. The Forest Department’s actions reflect their commitment to enforcing these regulations, even among prominent individuals in the entertainment industry.
