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Forensic tests confirm rapper Vedan possessed original leopard tooth illegally
Kerala Forest Department announced that Vedan’s leopard tooth–like pendant is an original leopard tooth. The rapper faced wildlife hunting and illegal wildlife articles charges after a ganja arrest in April 2025; forensic testing later confirmed the pendant’s authenticity, with charge-sheet actions expected.
Why It Matters
The case highlights enforcement of wildlife protection laws and the use of forensic testing in wildlife-related offenses in Kerala, India.
Timeline
4 Events
Charge-sheet follow-up to be initiated
May 16, 2026
Following the confirmation, the Forest Department stated that follow-up action, including filing of the charge sheet in the case, would be initiated soon.
Forensic testing confirms pendant is genuine leopard tooth
May 16, 2026
The pendant was sent to the Central Forensic Lab in Kolkata for verification of authenticity. Authorities announced that the leopard tooth is genuine.
Hill Palace alerts forest officials over leopard tooth pendant
April 28, 2025
Hill Palace police alerted forest officials after noticing a leopard tooth-like pendant attached to Vedan's chain.
Ganja recovered; Vedan and eight friends arrested
April 28, 2025
6 grams of suspected ganja were recovered from Vedan's apartment near Vytilla, Kochi. Vedan and eight of his friends were arrested on non-bailable charges by a team of forest officials led by the Kodanad Range Officer.