‘Forgive me; let me try to be a better human being’: Rapper Vedan responds after bail in leopard tooth case | WATCH

Kochi: Rapper Vedan (Hirandas Murali) reacted publicly after being granted bail in the leopard tooth possession case. While he said he cannot comment on the case as it is under judicial consideration, he admitted that smoking and alcohol consumption were mistakes and asked for forgiveness. Speaking to the media, Vedan said he is trying to become a better person.

"I cannot speak about the case right now since it is before the court. I thank all those who prayed for me. I want to say something to all my brothers and sisters who see and hear me — my smoking and drinking habits were terribly wrong. I know it’s a bad influence. I ask for your forgiveness. Let me try to become a better human being. I'm leaving now. Take care, everyone,” Vedan said.

 

His lawyer told the court that Vedan had no connection with the leopard tooth, and it was on that basis that the bail was granted. The investigation is still at a preliminary stage, and multiple conditions have been imposed for the bail. Full details of the bail order are yet to be made available. It was submitted before the court that the leopard tooth was gifted to Vedan and that he had no knowledge of its authenticity.

Vedan was granted conditional bail on Wednesday by the Perumbavoor First Class Magistrate Court in the case registered by the Forest Department for possession of a leopard tooth. Bail conditions include a ban on leaving Kerala, surrendering his passport within seven days, and appearing before the investigating officer every Thursday.

Earlier, Vedan had been remanded to Forest Department custody. After the evidence collection process, he was brought back to court on Wednesday evening, following which his bail plea was considered and granted.

In his bail application, Vedan stated that he had not committed any offence intentionally and that he only accepted an item gifted by fans. He claimed he was unaware that the pendant he wore contained a real leopard tooth. He also expressed willingness to comply with any bail conditions the court might impose, and that he has no prior criminal background. Though the Forest Department opposed the bail, the court dismissed their objections and granted bail with conditions.

The issue began on Monday when Vedan and eight others were detained by police for allegedly consuming cannabis at a flat at Tripunithura. Around six grams of cannabis were seized from the location. It was during this incident that police noticed the pendant with what appeared to be a leopard tooth worn by Vedan. The Forest Department was informed, and subsequent verification confirmed that it was indeed a real leopard tooth. A case was then registered under various provisions, including wildlife offences, leading to Vedan’s arrest by the Forest Department even after he had secured bail in the drug case.