Social media buzz sparks action against celebrities over tiger claw pendants

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The influence of social media has once again been underscored in Karnataka, as Kannada Big Boss contestant Santosh Kumar, known as Varthur Santosh, found himself embroiled in controversy over his choice of jewellery.

What began as an innocuous fashion statement quickly spiralled into a broader issue, prompting the forest department and the government to take action.

This series of events has ignited discussions about whether affluent and influential individuals have previously avoided legal scrutiny. The controversy gained momentum as images of Santosh wearing a necklace with a pendant containing tiger claws went viral on social media.

The public's reaction to these photos drew attention to the provisions of the Wildlife Act, which prohibits the possession of animal parts, including tiger claws.

Netizens on social media stated that These legal restrictions are meant to apply to everyone, regardless of their social or financial status, and how the respective officials often turn a blind eye to influential people.

The social media buzz surrounding Santosh's necklace triggered an official investigation into influential individuals who might also possess such items. Various celebrities and prominent personalities had their residences, including temples and spiritual leaders' homes, searched during this inquiry.

The celebrities included Sandalwood film stars Darshan and Jaggesh, who is a BJP Rajya Sabha member, as well as Nikhil Kumaraswamy, son of the Karnataka JD(S) boss HD Kumaraswamy.

None of these individuals faced immediate legal consequences. The differential treatment between Varthur Santosh and the affluent and influential figures under scrutiny became a focal point on social media.

Numerous people began questioning whether justice was being dispensed equitably and whether the law was being applied consistently, regardless of an individual's social status.

Recently the Forest Department apprehended three individuals in Tumkur for their involvement in hunting and consuming peacock meat. As a result of their actions, vessels used in the meat preparation, along with remnants of the bird, were confiscated.

We don't sell wildlife ornaments: Jewellery manager

Some prominent jewellers in the city say they don't sell wildlife ornaments to their customers.

“We at Joyalukkas don’t sell such ornaments and have no customers asking for such requirements. We are replicating such ornaments using synthetic material. Original wildlife artefacts we don’t sell. We have tiger claw, and elephant hair ornaments but all synthetic. Some goldsmiths and jewellery makers make use of animal artefacts for framing them on walls but not as ornaments”, says Shibin Branch Manager, Joyalukkas, M G Road.

Minister: Create awareness, prevent people from using wildlife jewellery

Ecology and Environment Minister Eshwar Khandre told News Trail, "We have to create awareness initiatives to stop people from using and possessing such wildlife jewellery.

No longer can people wear or hold such wildlife artefacts and jewellery. It is a serious punishable offence with 3 to 7 years of imprisonment. People will not get a licence from the forest department to own such things. It will be confiscated and destroyed."