Forest Minister A.K. Saseendran has changed his stance in the case involving rapper Vedan’s tiger tooth. He stated that forest department officials should respect the sentiments of the public. Speaking to the media, the minister said that more sensitivity was needed when handling the case of a popular artist like Vedan.
He added, “We will examine whether any legal violations or moral lapses occurred in the case. The justice that was given to actors like Mohanlal and Suresh Gopi will also be extended to Vedan. The forest department has a responsibility to consider public sentiment. If any corrections are needed in the case, there is no obstacle to making them. Vedan is a socially committed artist. He is an asset to the land.”
However, the minister’s earlier response at the time of Vedan’s arrest was different. At that time, he had said that Vedan was already on the radar of the forest intelligence unit and that the actions taken were appropriate.
Meanwhile, reports suggest that there will be no further investigation in the tiger tooth case for now. It is also reported that forest officials have expressed dissatisfaction with the minister’s recent remarks. They noted that the case was registered with the approval of senior officers and that the minister’s new stance undermines the morale of the department. Officials also pointed out that the minister had supported the legal actions taken after the arrest.
