Muttil Tree-Felling Scandal: Keralam Govt Eyes Wider Probe!

The Keralam government is considering a significant widening of the probe into the contentious 2021 Muttil tree-felling case in Wayanad. Minister Shibu Baby John confirmed on Saturday that the government views the alleged large-scale illegal tree felling as an exploitation of a government order (GO) and intends to delve deeper into the matter.

The heart of the controversy lies in a government order issued in October 2020 by then Revenue Secretary A Jayathilak, which ostensibly allowed farmers to fell trees on assigned land. However, this order was allegedly misused extensively, leading to the felling of numerous high-value trees in the Muttil area.

The order was subsequently revoked just four months later after authorities discovered it was being exploited by timber smugglers.

Minister Shibu Baby John, who holds the Forests and Wildlife Protection portfolio, emphasized the need to investigate the conspiracy behind the incident. He highlighted the circumstances that led to a change in the official stance on tree felling, pointing out that while the file didn't directly fall under the Forest Department, clear violations of forest laws occurred.

A joint examination by the Revenue, Forest, and Law departments is expected to finalize a decision on the probe's expansion. The minister specifically addressed the role of Jayathilak, noting that the former Revenue Secretary initially issued an order against cutting trees but later reversed his position. The government aims to uncover the "conspiracy" behind this change in stance.

He also alleged that the issue extends beyond Muttil, with widespread exploitation occurring across the state, and that poor and tribal communities were paid nominal amounts to front these illegal activities. A significant portion of the tree felling reportedly happened in the 75-day period after the cancellation order was issued but before it was formally published.

Addressing the legal implications, Minister John asserted that no government order can supersede an Act passed by the Keralam Legislative Assembly. This stance indicates that those involved in citing the revoked GO as justification for felling cannot escape responsibility. The government is committed to determining the full extent of the illegal felling from forest areas and will collectively decide on the next course of action.

The minister also raised concerns about significant delays in the inquiry process.

A committee formed in 2021 to examine the matter took five years for its file seeking sanction for inquiry to reach the concerned minister, and it has not held a single sitting yet. This delay has been described as serious negligence.

Three brothers are currently accused in the Muttil case for allegedly cutting and transporting timber illegally, with the Forest Department recently filing a chargesheet in a Wayanad court.", "city": "Thiruvananthapuram #MuttilScandal #KeralamProbe #IllegalLogging #EnvironmentalJustice