Varthur Santhosh, a contestant on Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10, found himself in legal trouble when he was arrested by the forest department for allegedly wearing a tiger claw pendant during the reality show. The arrest occurred on the show’s set, and it came after officials examined the pendant and determined it to be made from genuine tiger claws. This led to Santhosh being sent to 14 days of judicial custody.
The arrest was made based on the grounds that wearing a tiger claw pendant is a violation of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. This act prohibits the wearing or displaying of animal organs or parts, and it classifies such actions as punishable offenses. Wearing a tiger claw pendant, which is made from a part of a protected species, is a violation of this act, aimed at safeguarding endangered wildlife.
Bengaluru Urban Deputy Conservator of Forests N Ravindrakumar confirmed that the pendant, upon examination, was found to be made from a genuine tiger claw. This discovery prompted the legal proceedings and Santhosh’s subsequent arrest.
Varthur Santhosh, also known as ‘Hallikar Odeya,’ is a well-recognized figure in Karnataka. He has a successful career as a farmer, particularly known for his involvement in rearing the Hallikar breed of cattle. Santhosh has gained popularity for his work in the preservation and promotion of the Hallikar breed and serves as the chairman of the Hallikar Cattle Breed and the All India Hallikar Breed Conservation Committee.
Besides his contributions to cattle farming, Santhosh is also known for his efforts in the welfare of cows, aligning with his deep involvement in the livestock sector. He has also ventured into the real estate business.
Santhosh gained significant attention on social media after some of his videos went viral, amassing over 16,000 followers on Instagram. His participation in Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10 marked his entry into the realm of reality television, where contestants live in a monitored environment and compete in various challenges and tasks.
The arrest of Big Boss contestant Varthur Santhosh highlights the importance of adhering to wildlife protection laws, which are in place to safeguard endangered species and prevent illegal activities related to animal parts. The Wildlife (Protection) Act serves to protect the rich biodiversity of India and conserve its unique and often vulnerable wildlife.
It’s essential for individuals, even those in the public eye, to be aware of and respect these regulations. The case of Santhosh serves as a reminder of the consequences of violating such laws, even unintentionally. Wildlife conservation and protection laws play a crucial role in preserving the nation’s natural heritage and preventing the exploitation of endangered species for commercial or personal gain.
Santhosh’s arrest is a testament to the significance of wildlife conservation efforts and the strict enforcement of laws aimed at safeguarding India’s diverse flora and fauna. His case will likely raise awareness about the importance of abiding by these laws and the consequences of non-compliance, even in seemingly unrelated situations such as a reality TV show.
