Darshan, Vijayalakshmi get summons from Mysuru court over private complaint

BENGALURU, MYSURU: A complaint has been filed against actor Darshan and his wife Vijayalakshmi for allegedly having foreign ducks (bar headed goose that breeds in Central Asia ) illegally in their Mysuru farm, and a court has issued summons to the couple.

The Forest Department officials had filed a private complaint against Darshan, Vijayalakshmi and Nagaraj under the Wildlife Protection Act in the Civil Court of T Narasipur.

The complaint alleges that foreign ducks were being kept illegally at the Toogudeepa Farm House, owned by Vijayalakshmi at Kempaiahnahundi in T Narasipur taluk. Darshan had given an interview to a YouTube channel, showcasing the animals and birds on the farm, including the bar-headed goose, which is native to Mongolia, Russia, and China.

After the interview sparked controversy on social media, the Forest Department officials raided the farmhouse and conducted preliminary investigation. Based on their report, the court has issued summons to Darshan, Vijayalakshmi and Nagaraj, asking them to appear in court on July 4.

The bar-headed goose is a migratory bird from Central Asia, and keeping it in captivity is an offence under the Wildlife Protection Act. When questioned by the Forest Department officials, Darshan’s aide claimed that the ducks were given by friends.