Karnataka Forest Department official accused of possessing tiger claw
The Hindu
Case registered against Darshan Kumar, Deputy Range Forest Officer of Kalasa in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka
A Deputy Range Forest Officer of Kalasa in Chikkamagaluru district of Karnataka has been accused of possessing a tiger claw pendant. Based on a complaint filed by Supreeth and Abdul Khader of Arenur, Forest Department officials have registered a case against Darshan Kumar, the DRFO.
The complainants alleged that Darshan Kumar had posted a photo, showing him wearing a tiger claw pendant, on social media platforms. He had removed the photos recently. The complainants want the department to investigate if the official possesses tiger claws.
On October 27, Ramesh Babu, DCF of Chikkamagaluru, told The Hindu that complaints had been filed against Darshan Kumar in Koppa and Chikkamagaluru divisions. “We have summoned the official for an inquiry. So far, he has not responded. As of now, he is absconding. We will take action against him,” the officer said.
On October 22, the Forest Department arrested Bigg Boss Kannada contestant Varthur Santhosh from the sets of the TV relaity show for wearing a tiger claw pendant.
More than 2.6 lakh village and ward volunteers in Andhra Pradesh, once celebrated as the government’s grassroots champions for their crucial role in implementing welfare schemes, are now in a dilemma after learning that their tenure has not been renewed after August 2023 even though they have been paid honoraria till June 2024. Disowned by both YSRCP, which was in power when they were appointed, and the current ruling TDP, which made a poll promise to double their pay, these former volunteers are ruing the day they signed up for the role which they don’t know if even still exists