Kochi: Rapper Vedan has suffered a setback in the leopard tooth case, with authorities confirming that the tooth seized from him is indeed a genuine leopard’s tooth. The confirmation came following tests conducted at a zoology laboratory in Kolkata. The Forest Department is now expected to file a chargesheet in the case.

The Forest Department’s preliminary examination had already indicated that the pendant worn by Vedan was a leopard tooth. It was later sent to the zoology lab for scientific verification.

The case dates back to April last year, when police conducted a raid at Vedan’s apartment in Thrippunithura. At the time, police arrested nine people, including the rapper, after allegedly seizing six grams of cannabis. During the inspection, officers noticed the necklace containing the suspected leopard tooth worn by him and informed the Forest Department.

After tests confirmed it was a leopard tooth, the Forest Department registered a case against him under wildlife hunting and related charges. Though Vedan secured bail in the cannabis case, he was later arrested by forest officials in connection with the wildlife case as well. He obtained bail in that case too.

During the investigation, Vedan reportedly told officials that the leopard tooth necklace had been gifted to him by a Sri Lankan-origin fan named Ranjith during a show held in Chennai in 2022. He also stated that he had come into contact with Ranjith through social media. However, police have been unable to trace the individual so far. Authorities believe he may have migrated to the UK or France.