Varthur Santhosh, a contestant on the popular television reality show Bigg Boss Kannada, faced arrest on Sunday night for allegedly donning a tiger claw pendant during the show. As per officials involved in the incident, he was subsequently sent to a 14-day judicial custody on Monday.
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The arrest of Santhosh occurred directly on the set of the reality show, with the forest department taking him into custody following a suo motu complaint filed against him. The officials seized the pendant in question to ascertain its origins, sending it off to the Forensic Science Laboratory for a comprehensive analysis.
In response to inquiries regarding the tiger claw, Santhosh reportedly asserted that it had been passed down to him by his ancestors. However, this defense proved insufficient as wearing animal parts such as the tiger claw is deemed an infringement of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, which prescribes punitive measures for such actions.
Santhosh, known for his involvement in the cattle trading business, specifically dealing with the Hallikar breed in Bengaluru’s Varthur area, is also active in the local real estate sector. Prior to his appearance on Bigg Boss Kannada, he garnered substantial attention on social media due to the viral circulation of some of his videos, ultimately securing his spot on the show.
The developments surrounding the case have sparked significant public interest, with many questioning the ethical implications of wearing animal parts as accessories and the need for stricter enforcement of wildlife protection laws. The forest department’s swift action in apprehending Santhosh demonstrates a firm stance on the preservation of endangered species and the prevention of illegal trade in animal parts.
As the investigation progresses and the Forensic Science Laboratory provides its analysis, the outcome of the case is eagerly awaited by both fans of the show and wildlife conservation advocates. This incident serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of upholding regulations that safeguard the natural world and its inhabitants, particularly those species on the brink of extinction.