Niveditha Gowda reacts to Peacock eather controversy: We were unaware it was an offence, will fully cooperate with the investigation

Bigg Boss Kannada fame and actress Niveditha Gowda has issued a public apology amid the controversy surrounding the use of peacock feathers in a viral video featuring choreographer and dancer Kishen Bilagali.Addressing the issue through a video statement, Niveditha said that neither she nor the team involved in the collaboration was aware that the use and possession of peacock feathers could attract legal consequences under wildlife protection laws."Recently, Kishen and I made a video that went viral on social media.

We had used peacock feathers in that video.

At the time, we were not aware that using such wildlife-related items was considered an offence under the law.

This was a team collaboration involving different groups, and only now do we realise that it was a mistake," she said.Niveditha further acknowledged the protected status of the peacock, India's national bird, and stressed the importance of wildlife conservation. "The peacock is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and is also safeguarded under provisions of the Karnataka Forest Act.

It is our duty to protect and conserve wildlife.

We have now learned that even keeping such wildlife-related items, including peacock feathers, at home can amount to an offence.

We sincerely apologise for making the video and urge others not to use wildlife products or materials in their content.

We regret the incident and will fully cooperate with the ongoing investigation," she added.Meanwhile, Kishen Bilagali has also reacted to the controversy and expressed regret over the incident.

He reportedly stated that there was no intention to violate wildlife laws and assured authorities of his complete cooperation in the investigation.The reactions from Niveditha Gowda and Kishen Bilagali come a day after a complaint was lodged against them over the alleged use of peacock feathers in the viral video.

The complaint, filed before the Karnataka Forest Department, alleged that the video featured protected wildlife material and sought action under relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Following the complaint, authorities initiated a preliminary inquiry into the matter.