Tiger claw locket case: Actors Darshan, Jaggesh, Nikhil surrender lockets before forest dept sleuths
Bengaluru: Amid increasing calls for stringent action against actors Darshan, Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Jaggesh, whose images wearing a tiger claw locket went viral on social media following the arrest of Bigg Boss Kannada season 10 contestant, Varthur Santosh, all three actors surrendered their tiger claw lockets to the forest department officials on Wednesday.
Bengaluru Deputy Conservator of Forests, Ravindra, confirmed that the lockets handed over by Darshan and Nikhil were replicas. However, actor Jaggesh's golden locket with tiger claws, handed over by his wife Parimala in his absence, will undergo a laboratory test in Dehradun to determine its age. Speaking to the media, DCF Ravindra mentioned, "He has informed us that the locket is 40 years old. It will be sent to a laboratory in Dehradun to ascertain its age. If it is confirmed to be a tiger claw, further action will be taken."
Meanwhile taking to the micro-blogging site 'X', Jaggesh emphasized that Law is above all and also informed that he has handed over the locket to the authorities and that he has informed that his mother had gifted it to him.
In response to the allegations ,JD(S) leader Nikhil Kumaraswamy also earlier in the day clarified that the tiger claw he possesses is, in fact, a fake one. Taking to ‘X’ (formerly Twitter), Nikhil expressed that, “Several media reports suggest that Nikhil Kumaraswamy wore a tiger claw pendant during his marriage. This is far from the truth and I'm certainly aware of the Wildlife Protection Act.”
He further explained that the tiger claw that he wore during his marriage was a gift and that it was fake. “I still possess it, and I welcome concerned authorities to verify it. I request everyone not to spread information which is far from reality.”
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CM Siddaramaiah appeals to Naxalites to surrender, join mainstream
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday appealed to the Naxalites (Maoists) involved in violent activities to surrender and join the democratic mainstream.
He said the government has already formulated a surrender policy, which will be simplified and implemented effectively.
"Our government is determined to encourage all Naxals in Karnataka to surrender completely and reintegrate into the mainstream," Siddaramaiah said in a statement.
The CM said under the surrender policy, financial assistance will be provided in phases.
"Naxals who surrender their weapons to the government will be eligible for incentives, skill training, and comprehensive rehabilitation measures, all of which will be undertaken with empathy and on a priority basis," he underlined.
The government will also take steps to expedite the resolution of cases against surrendered Naxals and ensure they receive necessary legal support, the chief minister assured the Left wing ultras.
He added that efforts are underway to identify and address the needs of those who have already surrendered, ensuring their successful rehabilitation.
Siddaramaiah, however, warned strict action against those engaging in violence.
"At the same time, I want to make it unequivocally clear that anyone engaging in violent or unlawful activities will face strict legal action from our government," he said.
According to him, several progressive and public-spirited leaders met him, emphasising the importance of Naxals joining the democratic mainstream and preventing any loss of life.
On November 20, a top Naxalite, Vikram Gowda, was killed in an encounter with the Anti-Naxal Force at Peetabailu village in Hebri in Udupi district, pointing to the active Naxal activities in the state.
