Thrissur: Actor and Union Minister Suresh Gopi, who was recently seen wearing a chain with a pendant resembling a leopard tooth, will soon be summoned by the Kerala Forest Department.

Authorities are expected to serve a notice to Suresh Gopi, directing him to produce the pendant and appear before the Divisional Forest Officer in Thrissur. The inquiry aims to ascertain whether the item is derived from a protected animal.

Suresh Gopi will be asked to clarify the origin and nature of the pendant during the inquiry. The Forest Department aims to determine whether the pendant is made from a protected animal part or is an artificial replica.

As per the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, no individual is permitted to acquire, receive, possess, or keep under their custody any captive animal, animal article, trophy, or uncured trophy listed under Schedule I or Part II of Schedule II unless they hold a valid certificate of ownership or have inherited the item.

Possession of trophies or body parts of protected species such as leopards, classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, is a serious offence and may lead to imprisonment ranging from three to seven years, along with a monetary fine.

The complaint in the case was filed by Muhammad Hashim, a Youth Congress activist from Thrissur. He initially approached the State Police Chief and forest officials regarding the matter. In June, after being informed by the Police Chief’s office that forest authorities are the competent body to take action, Hashim submitted formal complaints to the Divisional Forest Officers in both Thrissur and Kannur.

According to senior officials in the Forest Department, the personal appearance of the actor is necessary to clarify details about the pendant in question. He will also be given the opportunity to respond to the inquiry in writing. Further action will be determined after his explanation is reviewed.

This incident comes shortly after the arrest of rapper Vedan-Hirandas Murali, who was detained for wearing a similar pendant allegedly made from a protected animal part. He spent a day in judicial custody before being released on bail.