Bengaluru: Forest officers raid actor Darshan Thoogudeepa's residence amid Tiger claw pendant row

By Vinaykumar Patil | First Published Oct 25, 2023, 5:06 PM IST

Following Varthur Santhosh's arrest for wearing tiger claw pendants, Sandalwood actor Darshan Thoogudeepa faces scrutiny and a search operation at his Bengaluru residence. The investigation by forest officials also extends to other Sandalwood actors, including Rajya Sabha MP Jaggesh, Rock Line Venkatesh, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, and Vinay Guruji. Notices were issued based on social media complaints, and if prohibited items like tiger claws are found, legal action will be taken.

Following the arrest of Varthur Santhosh on charges related to wearing tiger claw pendants, the Sandalwood industry has found itself mired in controversy. Actor Darshan Thoogudeepa is now facing heightened scrutiny for his association with tiger claw jewellery, prompted by a formal complaint from the Vande Mataram Social Service Organization. Forest officials have launched a search operation at Darshan’s residence at RR Nagar in Bengaluru.

The controversy over the possession of tiger claws within the state has cast a shadow over several Sandalwood actors, leading to an extensive investigation by forest officials. During the search at Darshan's house, his car driver met with forest officials and the police, who had arrived for the inspection. Two teams of forest officers have combed through the residence, continuing their search for any evidence related to tiger claw pendants.

Rajya Sabha MP Jaggesh faces complaint over tiger claw pendant

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Darshan is not the only target of this investigation; other actors and heroes who have faced accusations of possessing tiger claw pendants and other wildlife parts due to social media complaints have also received notices. The Forest Department has dispatched teams to inspect the homes of individuals such as Rajya Sabha MP and Actor Jaggesh, Rock Line Venkatesh, Nikhil Kumaraswamy, and Vinay Guruji, among others.

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Deputy Conservator of Forests Officer (DCFO) Ravindra, in his media statement, mentioned that four teams from the Forest Department were formed to investigate these allegations. He clarified that notices were issued to individuals following complaints of tiger claw possession. Inspections of the accused's residences have already begun. If tiger claws or other prohibited items are discovered during these checks, appropriate legal action will be taken.

The arrest of Varthur Santhosh, a contestant from Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10, has cast a shadow on other Sandalwood actors. Congress leader PR Ramesh has urged the forest authorities to take action against Sandalwood actor and Rajya Sabha member Jaggesh. Several film personalities, including Rockline Venkatesh and actor Nikhil Kumaraswamy, are also facing allegations related to tiger claw pendants.

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