Chikkamagalur: Forest Department officials have arrested two priests for allegedly possessing tiger claw pendants and have seized three pendants from them.

The arrested priests are Krishnananda Holla and Nagendra Jois, priests of Markandeshwara Temple in Khandya village.

The Forest Department had received a complaint through email alleging that the priests were in possession of tiger claw lockets, following which the officials conducted an inspection of the houses of the two priests and found the lockets.

Cases have been registered against them at Balehonnur Forest Department and the officials are questioning the priests.