Rapper Vedan tiger tooth case: Scientific test confirms necklace is genuine; Forest Department set to file chargesheet

Rapper Vedan, whose real name is Hiran Das Murali, has suffered a significant setback in the wildlife case linked to a necklace seized from his possession.Reports from Asianet News says that the scientific analysis has now confirmed that the tooth attached to the necklace is a genuine tiger tooth.Reports say that the confirmation came after detailed testing at the Zoological Survey laboratory in Kolkata. Forest officials had initially suspected that the tooth was authentic during their preliminary examination. To obtain conclusive scientific proof they sent the item to the specialised laboratory for further analysis.Following the laboratory confirmation, the Kerala Forest Department is preparing to submit a formal chargesheet against Vedan. Officials are currently compiling the final set of documents and evidence to place before the court. The case relates to the alleged illegal possession of a tiger tooth which is prohibited under Indian wildlife laws.Under the Wildlife Protection Act, possession of tiger parts is a punishable offence. If convicted, the accused can face imprisonment of up to three years.Reports say that the case originated in April last year when Vedan and five others were detained by police in connection with a ganja-related investigation. During a search at the rapper’s flat in Kochi, police discovered a necklace containing what appeared to be a tiger tooth.Police then informed the Forest Department about the seizure. A team from Kodanad visited the residence, confiscated the necklace, and registered a case against Vedan under relevant wildlife protection provisions.During questioning, Vedan reportedly told investigators that he received the necklace as a gift in 2022. According to his statement the item was presented to him during a rap performance in Chennai by a Sri Lankan-origin man named Ranjith Kumbidi. Vedan also stated that he became acquainted with Ranjith through social media.After the case was registered, Vedan was granted bail subject to strict conditions. Since then, the investigation has continued while officials awaited scientific confirmation regarding the authenticity of the tooth.Although the latest report confirms that the seized item is a genuine tiger tooth, investigators have not yet been able to locate Ranjith Kumbidi, who allegedly gifted the necklace. Authorities believe he may have relocated to either the United Kingdom or France, complicating efforts to question him.Reportedly, to obtain the laboratory findings, the Forest Department approached the Perumbavoor Magistrate Court. With the scientific report now in hand and supporting evidence already collected, officials are moving ahead with filing the chargesheet against Vedan. For the unversed, Vedan is popular for his songs 'Kuthanthram', 'La Vida', 'Aana' and others.