Viral tiger skin photo: Complaint filed against Vinay Guruji

Team Udayavani, Oct 25, 2023, 7:05 PM IST

Chikkamagaluru: A complaint has been registered following a photograph of spiritual leader, Gaurigadde Avadhuta Vinay Guruji of Koppa Taluk, seated on a tiger skin going viral on social media.

Allegations have been raised regarding the origin and possession of the said tiger skin, prompting a thorough investigation by the forest department.

According to sources, two years ago, Amarendra Kiriti, a resident of Shimoga district, received authorization from forest department officials to gift tiger skin to Vinay Guruji. Reportedly, the skin had been in Kiriti’s family possession for several years. The ashram has since clarified that the tiger skin was returned to the forest department in 2022.

In response to the viral photograph, Vinay Guruji said that the tiger skin had been duly surrendered to the Forest Department and asserted his willingness to cooperate with any further inquiries. He clarified that the presence of the tiger skin at the ashram was a brief occurrence, lasting only one day. The photograph in question captured this singular instance, which has now garnered widespread attention, he said.

Vinay Guruji further stated that Amarendra Kiriti from Shimoga was in “legal possession” of the tiger skin, and it has been returned to the Forest Department.

In light of the escalating controversy, a team of forest department officials, led by Koppa DFO Nandish, conducted an inspection at the ashram. Vinay Guruji provided a statement, cooperating fully with the investigation. DFO Nandish affirmed that the inspection had been carried out in adherence to directives from the central office in Bengaluru.

“We have gathered comprehensive information regarding the tiger skin from Vinay Guruji. He clarified that the photograph in question dates back two years and identified the individual who initially possessed it,” stated a forest department official. The findings of the inspection will be communicated to higher-ranking officials for further action, he added.