Mandya: Melukote MLA Darshan Puttanaiah bought a pair of Hallikar oxen for Rs. 2.30 lakh to gift them to Sandalwood actor Darshan Thoogudeepa.

Actor Darshan, who had visited Bebi Betta Jatra in Pandavapura taluk some time back, had shown his interest in Hallikar ox breed and hence MLA Darshan, to gift a pair of these breed of cattle, purchased a pair of cattle for Rs. 2.30 lakh from farmer Abhinandan of Holalu village in Mandya taluk.

They are presently under the care of Chethan of Holalu village, who said that the MLA would gift them to actor at the latter’s farm house on T. Narasipur Road in Mysuru, this month end.

The oxen have been named as ‘Hasiru’ and ‘Usiru’ and are fed with milk, porridge, papaya, sweet lime, curds and other nutritious food along with regular food including indi and busa.

Chethan said the arrival of actor Darshan to Bebi Betta Jatra added glamour to the religious event and hence MLA Darshan has purchased the cattle to gift them to the actor.