Tiger Claw Pendant Controversy: Darshan, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, Jaggesh And Vinay Guruji Under Scrutiny

Following the arrest of Kannada Bigg Boss contestant Varthur Santhosh by the forest department for wearing a tiger claw pendant, the public has brought several celebrities under scrutiny. Notably, actors Darshan, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, actor-turned-politician Jaggesh and astrologer Vinay Guruji among others, have been criticised for donning similar lockets, which has prompted various organisations to file complaints.

The forest department took action against Santhosh after he was arrested on the Bigg Boss set near Bengaluru, wearing a pendant fashioned from tiger claws. Later, he was presented in court and was remanded to 14-day judicial custody.

In the wake of this incident, photographs of Darshan, actor-turned-politician Jaggesh, and JDS leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy sporting tiger claw pendants have circulated widely on social media. As a response to these viral images, multiple organisations have submitted formal complaints to the forest department, urging them to take action against Darshan, Vinay Guruji Jaggesh and several other famous personalities.

A viral photo of Vinay Guruji seated on a tiger skin has also ignited a social media frenzy and stirred considerable debate. Records indicate that an individual named Amarendra Kirithi from Shimoga donated the tiger skin to Vinay Guruji's Gowrigadde Dattashram. On August 23, 2019, Amarendra wrote to the Deputy Forest Officer in Shimoga, expressing his intent to donate the tiger skin and obtained the necessary permit. Vinay Guruji later returned the tiger skin to Amarendra. Later, Amarendra submitted a letter to the Forest Department, explaining his inability to retain the tiger skin and officially returning it to the Shimoga Forest Department on May 20, 2023.

Shivakumar Nayak, the President of the Union of All Unions in Bengaluru, filed a complaint against Vinay Guruji and actor Darshan with the Bangalore City Police Commissioner. Darshan, serving as a forest ambassador, has unknowingly adorned a gold chain embellished with a tiger claw, which is in potential violation of the law. Shivakumar Nayak called for an inquiry into actors Darshan and Vinay Guruji and asserted that forest officers have a responsibility to ascertain the authenticity of the tiger claws they possess.

Meanwhile, taking to social media, Nikhil Kumaraswamy has however clarified and wrote,"This is far from the truth." He also said that relevant authorities to verify the accuracy of the matter. Reports in some media outlets suggested that Nikhil Kumaraswamy wore a tiger claw pendant during his wedding, but he vehemently denies this.

In his post, Nikhil underlined his awareness of the seriousness of the Wildlife Protection Act, ensuring there was no violation on his part. He clarified that the tiger claw pendant he wore was artificial, not authentic, and it was a gift he received during his marriage. He further mentioned that he still possesses the pendant and urged everyone to refrain from propagating inaccurate news.

In response to these complaints, forest department officer Ravindra Kumar stated that they would take action once the veracity of these images is confirmed.

"We have received complaints, but we will have to find out the reality of these images. Once we ascertain the reality, we will initiate action according to the law," said the forest officer.

Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said that action will be taken against individuals who violate wildlife regulations.

"According to the Wildlife Act, wildlife skin, ivory, deer skin, and horns cannot be used or stored. We have received some complaints and the department will investigate and take action. There is no question of acting soft on anybody. All the complaints will be investigated and action will be taken," the minister affirmed.

Supporters of Santhosh organised a protest in Varthur, accusing officials of unfairly targeting Santhosh while not addressing several celebrities who wear a similar pendant.

For the unversed, the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 delineates that materials associated with any wild animal, such as skin, bones, horns, hair, and the like, should not be collected or retained. Any such items should promptly be surrendered to the relevant department, or individuals must secure the appropriate certification from the department. Possession of these items without lawful authorization could lead to imprisonment for a minimum of 3 to 7 years and a fine of at least Rs 10,000.