Mohanlal Submits Declaration Of 10 Elephant Tusks,13 Ivory Idols In Wildlife Case

Malayalam

superstar Mohanlal has declared possession of 10 elephant tusks and 13 ivory idols to the Kerala Forest Department under the state’s wildlife amnesty scheme, even as he continues to face trial in a long-pending wildlife case. Officials said the declaration was submitted to the Malayattoor Divisional Forest Office as part of an initiative that allows voluntary disclosure of wildlife articles to regularise ownership and avoid penal action. The newly declared items include ivory idols of deities such as Lord Krishna, Lord Ram, and Tirupati Balaji. The matter traces back to a 2011 raid and has since seen multiple legal developments and court proceedings.

Mohanlal's Declaration Under Amnesty Scheme

Officials at the Malayattoor Divisional Forest Office confirmed that Mohanlal submitted the declaration under the ongoing amnesty programme. He had earlier declared four tusks and has now added six more, along with 13 ivory idols weighing around 46 kg in total. The actor has maintained that the tusks were either inherited or received as gifts. Forest authorities have stated that the items will undergo DNA testing to verify their origin and authenticity.

Details Of Mohanlal Ivory Possession Case

The case dates back to August 2011, when the Income Tax Department recovered elephant tusks and ivory artefacts during a raid at Mohanlal’s Kochi residence, later handing the matter over to the Forest Department. He was subsequently booked for alleged illegal possession of wildlife articles.

Although the state government once attempted to withdraw the case, both the trial court and Kerala High Court rejected the plea, allowing proceedings to continue. In 2016, ownership certificates issued to him were also cancelled by the High Court for procedural irregularities. The court mentioned that the state may issue notifications allowing individuals or specific categories of persons to declare wildlife articles in their possession and seek protection from legal action under the amnesty scheme.On the professional front, Mohanlal has a packed slate of upcoming projects. He is currently shooting Athimanoharam, directed by Thudarum filmmaker Tharun Moorthy, where he plays a police officer after a long gap. The film is slated for a theatrical release on December 24.

He was recently seen in Jeethu Joseph’s Drishyam 3. Mohanlal has also announced Nedumkandam Miracle, directed by Dileesh Pothan and produced by Achu Baby John. In addition, he has signed his 367th film, tentatively titled L367, to be directed by Meppadiyan filmmaker Vishnu Mohan. He is also set to collaborate once again with director Priyadarshan.