Possession of suspected leopard tooth: Union Minister Suresh Gopi to be summoned

Actor and Union Minister Suresh Gopi, who was recently seen sporting a chain with a pendant resembling a leopard tooth, will be summoned shortly to ascertain whether the pendant is a wildlife trophy.

The Kerala Forest department will issue a notice to Mr. Gopi shortly asking him to produce the pendant and appear before the Divisional Forest Officer, Thrissur, for the inquiry.

Mr. Gopi will be asked to explain the nature and source of the pendant. The department will also ascertain whether the pendant is a wildlife trophy or an artificial one. 

As per Wildlife Protection Act

The Wildlife Protection Act 1972 prescribes that no one other than a person having a certificate of ownership, shall, after the commencement of the Act, acquire, receive, keep in his control, custody or possession any captive animal, animal article, trophy or uncured trophy specified in Schedule I or Part II of Schedule II, except by way of inheritance.

Offences related to animals such as leopards, which are included in Schedule 1 of the Act, including the possession of a trophy, can attract a jail term between three and seven years and also a fine.

Complaint

Muhammad Hashim, an activist of the Youth Congress in Thrissur, had approached the State Police Chief (SPC) and Forest officers with the complaint. Mr. Hashim filed a complaint with the Divisional Forest Officers of Thrissur and Kannur in June as the office of the SPC informed him that the forest officers were the competent authorities to act in such cases.

The actor, who attended a few public functions in Thrissur and Kannur, was seen sporting a chain with a pendant resembling a leopard tooth. The use and display of such an article is an offence and hence action shall be initiated against him under the Act, demanded Mr. Hashim in his complaint.

News clips of the events attended by Mr. Gopi in which he was seen wearing the suspected ornament were attached to the complaint. If the pendant is found to be a wildlife trophy, he should be proceeded against, said Mr. Hashim.

Personal appearance

The personal appearance of the actor before the Forest officer is indispensable, as information regarding the suspected article will have to be obtained from him. He will also have the option of filing a written statement to the questions raised by the inquiry officer. The future course of action will be decided after obtaining his statement, highly placed Forest department sources indicated.

Recently, the department had arrested popular rapper Vedan (Hirandas Murali) after he was found wearing a similar ornament. The singer, who had to spend a day in jail, was released on bail later.