Bigg Boss contestant arrested for possessing Tiger Claw Locket

HYDERABAD: In a surprising turn of events, Varthur Santosh, a Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10 participant, has found himself in legal trouble. On October 22, he was arrested by the forest department for possessing and wearing a locket that appeared to contain tiger claws, a violation of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972.

The events leading to Santosh's arrest unfolded when a common man complained against him for sporting the suspected tiger claw locket. Following this complaint, forest officials visited the Bigg Boss studio near Komaghatta. After examining the locket, they confirmed that it held genuine tiger claws. Tigers are categorized as highly endangered under the Wildlife Protection Act, so possessing such items is strictly prohibited. Violating this law carries a severe penalty, with potential imprisonment ranging from three to seven years.

Following the confirmation of the tiger claws, the forest department promptly took action. They approached the Bigg Boss organizers and requested the surrender of Varthur Santosh for further investigation.

Upon being questioned by the forest officials, Varthur Santosh admitted to acquiring the locket, which contained tiger claws, three years ago in Hosur. Consequently, he was taken into custody at around 8:30 p.m. on the same day. Currently, he remains in the custody of the forest range office in Kaggalipura.

Varthur Santosh, aka Hallikar Odeya, is the Hallikar Cattle Breed chairman and the All India Hallikar Breed Conservation Committee.