Bengaluru: Actor Darshan, who was jailed in connection with a murder case and later released on bail, has faced another setback as police seized his firearm.

Following orders from Police Commissioner Dayanand, the RR Nagar police seized Darshan’s gun on Monday. According to police sources, officers personally visited his residence at Chennammanakere’s Vijayalakshmi Flats to confiscate the weapon.

Earlier, Darshan’s gun license was temporarily revoked, and a notice was issued by the police, instructing him to surrender the firearm. Despite the directive, the actor reportedly delayed handing over the weapon.

Darshan owned a German-made Carl Walther Waffenfabrik gun, which has now been seized along with five live bullets.

The much-awaited continuation of Rishab Shetty’s successful film Kantara: Chapter 1 (also known as Kantara 2) has hit a major roadblock amid growing controversy surrounding its shoot in the forest area of Gavigudda, Heruru village in Karnataka. The film’s production, which was reportedly secretly taking place in the region, has faced backlash from local residents and environmentalists who have accused the crew of causing significant harm to the environment.

The controversy stems from the fact that although the team was granted permission to shoot in the village grazing land, they have allegedly been conducting their operations in protected forest areas. These regions, which are home to rich biodiversity, are facing damage due to the shooting activities. The locals have raised concerns that the crew’s actions are disrupting wildlife habitats and causing irreversible harm to the local ecosystem.

One of the most contentious issues involves the reported use of explosives during the shoot, which has sparked outrage among residents and environmental advocates. Explosives, they argue, could have a disastrous impact on the flora and fauna of the forest, particularly as the area is home to a variety of wildlife species, some of which are endangered. The use of explosives in such a sensitive location raises questions about the safety protocols followed by the production team and the legality of the shoot in this specific area.

The controversy has escalated with accusations that the film’s production is disregarding local traditions and practices. Heruru village, being in close proximity to the forest area, has long been a part of a delicate balance between human activities and wildlife conservation. The disruption caused by the film’s production is seen by many as an infringement upon this balance and a violation of environmental protection regulations.

As the situation unfolds, local authorities are being urged to investigate the matter and determine the extent of the environmental damage caused. Additionally, there are calls for more stringent regulations regarding film shoots in ecologically sensitive areas to prevent similar incidents in the future.

At the heart of the debate is a need to find a balance between creative expression and environmental responsibility. While Kantara has garnered much attention and praise for its depiction of local culture and storytelling, the ongoing controversy raises important questions about the impact of such productions on the natural world and the people who live in harmony with it.

For now, both the film’s crew and local authorities are likely to face increasing scrutiny as they work to address the allegations and determine the path forward. Whether or not the shoot continues in the same location or if it moves elsewhere remains to be seen. Nonetheless, the controversy surrounding Kantara 2 serves as a reminder of the importance of safeguarding our environment in the face of growing commercial interests.