Arvind Bellad, a prominent leader of the Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has called for inspections of mosques and dargahs due to their use of peacock feathers in religious practices, drawing attention to this issue in light of searches conducted at Rajya Sabha BJP MP and actor Jaggesh's residence following a forest department notice. This incident occurred when Jaggesh was observed wearing a tiger claw pendant during a live television interview.
Bellad has also criticized Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, highlighting the need for explanations regarding the searches at Jaggesh's premises while no action has been taken concerning peacock feathers used in mosques and dargahs.
"Tiger claws have a historical association with positive energy. I would like to question Siddaramaiah – if a complaint can be filed against Rajya Sabha MP Jaggesh, why have no actions been taken regarding peacock feathers being utilized in dargahs and mosques?" inquired Bellad.
"Siddaramaiah himself seeks blessings from those peacock feathers. Can't he see it? The peacock is our national bird. It is both a violation of the law and against the law," he added.
The BJP Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) has called on Siddaramaiah to carry out inspections of "each and every" mosque and dargah, urging legal action against these locations.
The tiger claw controversy arose when Varthur Santosh, a contestant on the Kannada reality show Bigg Boss, was apprehended on the program's set for possessing a tiger claw pendant. The possession, sale, or purchase of tiger claws is illegal under the law.
Officials from the forest department visited the show's set on October 22 and inspected the tiger claw pendant. Following their evaluation, it was determined that the tiger claw was genuine, leading to the arrest of Varthur Santosh.
In response to searches at his residence, actor and BJP MP Jaggesh submitted a petition to the Karnataka High Court, raising questions about the actions of the forest officials and requesting that the Forest Officer's actions be declared unlawful.
According to the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, the killing of wild animals such as tigers, lions, and deer, as well as the possession or sale of their claws, skins, horns, and other body parts, is considered a criminal offense.
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