Case against rapper Vedan: Forest Department chief's report that officials followed procedures but there was still lapse

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The forest department chief's report says that the Kodanad Range Officer and others have made unnecessary allegations in the tiger tooth case against rapper Vedan. Speaking to the media against Vedan without seeking prior permission is also a lapse. Action may be taken.

There were hasty actions on the part of the officials. Wrong information, including Vedan's Sri Lankan connections, was given to the media. The investigation report says that this has created a bad image for the government and the forest department.

However, in his report submitted to Additional Chief Secretary KR Jyothilal, Forest Chief Rajesh Raveendran says that the officials did things according to the procedure in matters including Vedan's arrest. The arrest was made because it was a case handed over by the police. Further action was taken based on Vedan's statement. The tiger tooth has been handed over to the laboratory for examination. Vedan's statement is that the tiger tooth was obtained from a foreign fan. An investigation is ongoing into how it was obtained.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and CPM State Secretary M.V. Govindan had expressed their dissatisfaction with the action taken by the Forest Department. Minister A.K. Saseendran sought a report following this. The forest chief had sought an explanation from the Central Region CCF and Muvattupuzha DFO.

Departmental action will be taken

Forest Department officials say that departmental action will be taken against the officials. Minister A.K. Saseendran will take a decision after consulting the Chief Minister on the recommendation given by the Ad. Chief Secretary. There is a possibility of warning or transfer.