Karnataka govt. mulling over volunteer disclosure policy to provide opportunity to surrender wildlife artefacts

Govt. contemplates volunteer disclosure policy to surrender wildlife artefacts without penal action. Minister for Forest, Environment & Ecology appeals to public not to wear fake tiger claws & launch awareness campaign on Wildlife Act. Two priests & hotel owner arrested for wearing tiger claws. 8 cases registered, including BJP leader's son.

After several celebrities were accused of possessing tiger claw pendants, including Kannada film actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, a former brand ambassador of the Karnataka Forest Department (KFD), and actor and Rajya Sabha member Jaggesh, the State government is contemplating a volunteer disclosure policy under which those illegally owning wildlife artefacts will be given an opportunity to surrender the materials, without penal action.

Minister for Forest, Environment and Ecology Eshwar Khandre on Thursday said, “We are exploring the option of providing an opportunity to surrender the artefacts to those illegally owning them, in the larger public interest. The surrendered wildlife materials will be destroyed by the Forest Department.”

When asked whether the policy was proposed to protect influential people who have come under the scanner of the department, he said, “Everyone is equal before the law and the department has commenced legal procedures in the complaints filed so far.” He further said, “This policy which the State government is exploring is in the interest of the larger public as many are still not aware of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.”

In 1972, 1973, and 2002 amnesty was provided to those possessing illegal wildlife items and the KFD is currently in touch with the Union government to explore volunteer disclosure possibilities under the existing legal framework. In earlier years, a window was created to own the artefacts after declaration. Those who disclosed the materials were given permission by the KFD to own them on the condition that they do not flaunt them.

Mr. Khandre said the task force that was constituted on Wednesday was instructed to submit a report on previous cases and measures to strengthen the implementation of the law in the State. He said the KFD had been receiving complaints about those owning tiger claw pendants after Big Boss contestant Varthur Santosh was apprehended and in every case, officials were working as per the legal procedures.

Mr. Khandre also appealed to the public not to wear fake tiger claw pendants as this would promote the purchase of original tiger claws. He added the department would launch an awareness campaign on the Wildlife Act.

Meanwhile, Chikkamagaluru range forest officers on Thursday arrested two priests, identified as Krishnananda Holla and Nagendra Jois, for wearing tiger claws fashioned as pendants. Sources in the department said the priests were not only wearing the pendants but also encouraging others to wear them based on some belief. They were produced before the court. The priests are attached to Markandeshwara Swamy temple at Khandya. In Joida, Uttara Kannada district, officials arrested a hotel owner identified as Prakash Naik for sporting a tiger claw pendant.