Images which show the union minister wearing a necklace, which allegedly contains a leopard teeth.
Credit: X/forumk
Thiruvananthapuram: A probe is on into the allegation that union minister and BJP MP from Kerala Suresh Gopi is possessing leopard teeth.
Picture of the actor-turned politician wearing a necklace, allegedly containing a leopard teeth became controversial after the forest department booked Malayalam rapper Hirandas Murali, popularly known as 'Vedan', in April for allegedly possessing a leopard tooth.
Subsequently a Congress activist filed a petition to the forest department seeking action against Gopi too.
The forest department has now commenced an inquiry by asking the petitioner to give detailed statements and evidence to support his petition. Gopi's statement is also likely to be recorded soon.
Leopard is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. Hence possessing leopard teeth is an offence.