Why has the Kerala Forest Department sought fresh details from Mohanlal over elephant tusks?

The Kerala Forest Department has sought detailed information from actor Mohanlal after he disclosed that he owns five pairs of elephant tusks, three more than what had previously been declared to the authorities.

According to the Forest Department, Mohanlal has been directed to submit complete records relating to the newly disclosed tusks at the earliest.

The actor has stated that all five pairs of tusks were received as gifts over the years. He has also declared ownership of 13 ivory artefacts, which he similarly claims were gifted to him.

The latest disclosure comes even as legal proceedings over Mohanlal's earlier elephant tusk ownership remain pending.

In 2015 and 2016, the Kerala government permitted the actor to retain two pairs of elephant tusks, following which the Forest Department issued him an ownership certificate. However, the Kerala High Court later quashed the certificate, citing legal irregularities in the process through which ownership had been granted.

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The three additional pairs came to light during the Forest Department's one-time settlement scheme for undisclosed wildlife articles, when Mohanlal informed officials of their existence, taking the total number of tusks in his possession to five pairs.

The disclosure has also drawn attention to provisions under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, which generally prohibits the acquisition of elephant tusks and ivory as gifts. Such items may only be legally possessed if they have been inherited or transferred through recognised legal channels supported by valid documentation.

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Forest officials said only a preliminary verification has been conducted so far. A detailed examination, including forensic and DNA analysis if required, will be carried out to determine the age, origin and legal status of the tusks.

If scientific tests establish that the tusks came from multiple elephants and are not backed by the documentation required under law, the matter could have wider legal implications.

The Forest Department has asked Mohanlal to submit all relevant documents to facilitate a comprehensive investigation.