Surrender wildlife articles within two months, says Minister Khandre

Bengaluru: Karnataka Forest Minister, Eshwar Khandre, has urged individuals in possession of wildlife articles to surrender them to the government within a two-month period.

This call comes in the wake of the recent arrest of Varthur Santhosh, a contestant on the popular reality show, Big Boss, for violating the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

Minister Khandre on Saturday said that prior to this incident, there was limited public awareness regarding the legislation.

“After this development, people have come to know about the law and two months’ duration is given for them to surrender,” he stated, adding that once this period lapses, the government will issue a circular on the matter.

Minister Khandre also highlighted that while in 1972, when the Wildlife (Protection) Act was first implemented, individuals were given an opportunity to declare and retain such articles, subsequent amendments in 2003 and 2022 have significantly tightened regulations.

“As per the 2022 amendment of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, possessing, wearing, using, and collecting articles belonging to wild animals are considered punishable offences,” he clarified.

In a related development, officials conducted a search at the residence of Minister for Women and Child Welfare, Laxmi Hebbalkar, in Belagavi. A viral photo of her son, Mrunal Hebbalkar, wearing a tiger’s claw pendant prompted the investigation.

Several celebrities have found themselves in the eye of the storm including Kannada actor and BJP Rajya Sabha member Jaggesh, superstar Darshan, actor and politician Nikhil Kumaraswamy, and producer Rockline Venkatesh, among others.

A Deputy Reserve Forest Officer of Kalasa sub-division, Darshan, has also been suspended following a complaint for wearing a tiger’s claw pendant.

(With IANS inputs)