Probe Must on Forest Dept's Move Against Rapper: Kerala

The Kerala government, the ruling CPI(M), and the opposition Congress-led UDF on Thursday said that it needs to be examined whether the action taken against popular rapper and songwriter Vedan (Hirandas Murali) for possessing a leopard tooth was "excessive".

- Press Trust of India

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM/KOCHI:

State Forest Minister A K Saseendran stated that Vedan's case should have been handled more sensitively, and that this is also the government's stance.

The forest department arrested Vedan on Tuesday, shortly after he was released on bail by the police in the drug case.

He added that the matter will be reviewed to assess if the action was disproportionate, as critics have claimed, and corrective steps will be taken if necessary. "The government is not opposed to that," he said.

The minister further acknowledged that Vedan is a rising talent whom the state is proud of, calling him an "asset" to Kerala.