Who is Varthur Santhosh, Bigg Boss Kannada contestant arrested for wearing tiger claw locket?

In 2023, Varthur Santhosh entered the Bigg Boss house as a participant for the 10th season of the reality show. (Image credit: Instagram/VarthurSanthosh).

Bigg Boss Kannada Season 10 contestant Varthur Santhosh was arrested by forest officials on Sunday, after he was caught wearing a tiger claw locket during the show. The Karnataka forest department authorities received a complaint over Santhosh wearing the claw and reached the Bigg Boss house where they asked the officials to bring the pendant outside for examination.

Post the examination, they concluded that Santhosh had been wearing genuine tiger claws which led to his arrest. He was later sent to 14 days of judicial custody. During the legal proceedings, Santhosh acknowledged that he had brought the locket from a dealer, three years ago

"When we checked the pendant, it was confirmed that it was a tiger claw," Bengaluru Urban Deputy Conservator of Forests N Ravindrakumar told The Indian Express.

As per rules, nobody can buy or sell tiger claws and possessing of tiger nails is also against the law.

Here's all you need to know about Varthur Santhosh:

• Santhosh, also known as Hallikar Odeya, is a Bengaluru businessman who has carved a successful career as a farmer and has become popular among the masses for rearing of the Hallikar breed of cattle.
• His special affinity for the cattle breed led to his appointment as the chairman of  All India Hallikar Breed Conservation Committee, as well as Hallikar Cattle Breed Conservation Committee.
• In addition to the Hallikar Odeya breed of cattle, Santhosh is also known for his work for the welfare of cows.
• In 2023, Santhosh entered the Bigg Boss house as a participant for the 10th season of the reality show. On October 22, he was arrested by forest officials for wearing a tiger claw locket during the show.
• Santhosh is also popular on social media and has over 16,000 Instagram followers.