Tiger-tooth: Forest dept initiates action against BJP MP Suresh Gopi

Thrissur: In the matter of Kerala BJP leader and MP from Thrissur, Suresh Gopi, keeping a tiger-tooth necklace, the Forest Department in the state has initiated action. As a first step into the proceedings against the actor-turned-politician, the department sent a notice to the complainant in the matter.

The notice, issued by the Pattikkadu Forest Range Officer, states that the complainant should appear at the Pattikkadu Range Office on the 21st of this month and produce documents and evidence related to this. However, the notice also states that if the evidence is not handed over, it will be considered that the complainant has nothing to prove.

The complaint was filed by Muhammad Hashim, State General Secretary of the INTUC Youth Wing and former National Spokesperson of the Youth Congress.

According to complainant Suresh Gopi's actions were a violation of the Wildlife Protection Act. The complainant had made it clear to Suresh Gopi that he should explain how he got the tiger tooth necklace and that Suresh Gopi's violation of the law, which he had taken an oath to protect, was a violation of the constitution and serious misconduct.

The tiger tooth in Suresh Gopi’s possession came to light after the arrest of rapper Vedan (Hirandas) in a similar case.

The forest department arrested Vedan after a case was registered under sections that included poaching. The arrest was after questioning at the Forest Range Office in Kodanad, Perumbavoor. Vedan had told the department that he had received the tiger tooth as a gift and did not know that it was original.

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