Kochi: Rapper Vedan (Hiran Das Murali) finds himself in deeper trouble after authorities recovered what is believed to be a tiger’s tooth on a chain he was wearing. Vedan reportedly told the police that the tooth had been brought from Thailand. It was found during a police search at his Kochi flat, which followed the seizure of cannabis from the premises. The Forest Department is expected to take Vedan into custody shortly. If it is confirmed that the item is indeed a tiger’s tooth, a case will be registered against him under non-bailable Wildlife Protection laws.
 

Possession of body parts like nails or teeth of wild animals is illegal under Indian law. Forest Department officials from Kodanad have already reached the Hill Palace Police Station in Thrippunithura to verify whether the seized item is genuinely from a leopard.
 

The chain was seized after police, acting on a tip-off about drug use, raided Vedan’s flat and recovered six grams of cannabis. Vedan confessed to using cannabis following his detention. Police also seized Rs 9.5 lakh in cash and nine mobile phones from the flat. Vedan said that the cash was the remuneration received for a musical performance, a claim which police are currently investigating in detail.
 

Vedan, along with nine members of his music band, had returned to the flat on Sunday night after a concert. When the police conducted their search on Monday, they reportedly found the group under the influence of intoxicants. The drugs were recovered from a table in the living room.
 

A stark irony: Vedan, who once spoke against synthetic drugs, now in police net

Ironically, Vedan had previously advised his fans against using synthetic drugs during his performances. Videos of him passionately speaking against substance abuse had circulated widely online. In one such address, Vedan had said:

"Synthetic drugs are the devil. Please, avoid them. Our mothers and fathers are crying. Do you know how many parents have come to me, falling at my feet, begging me to make you understand? Ten people might try synthetic drugs, but two will die. Please. I don't have to say this, but I'm your elder brother, after all."
 

Event cancelled following arrest

Following his arrest over the possession of cannabis, organisers cancelled Vedan’s upcoming performance in Idukki, which was part of the ‘Ente Keralam’ exhibition. The organisers announced that the cancellation was a direct result of the rapper’s involvement in the drug case.