Suresh Gopi's chain with leopard tooth pendant; forest department begins probe, to record complainant's statement

THRISSUR: The forest department has started a preliminary investigation into the complaint that the chain worn by Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi has a pendant of leopard tooth. The statement of the complainant, A A Muhammed Hashim of Vadanappally and state general secretary of INTUC youth wing, will also be recorded. The forest department has issued a notice to Hashim to appear before the Pattikkad Range Officer on July 21st. Also directed to present evidence if he has in his hands.

The issue related to Suresh Gopi arose after rapper Vedan (Hirandas Murali) was arrested in the leopard tooth case. Hashim filed a complaint with the state police chief along with visuals of Suresh Gopi walking around wearing a chain with the pendant of a leopard tooth. This complaint was later handed over to the forest department.

The complaint also alleged that Suresh Gopi violated the Wildlife Protection Act. The complainant had alleged that Suresh Gopi should explain how he got the pendant and that Suresh Gopi's violation of law after taking oath to protect the law, is unconstitutional and a serious misconduct.

According to the Forest and Wildlife Protection Act, the tiger is included in Part II of Schedule I. Even if it is inherited, it should not be kept.