Two accused surrender in Kerala tree-felling case

Kerala Muttil tree-felling case: two accused surrender before Chottanikkara court in cheating case The Kerala High Court had ordered the police to investigate the involvement of three people in a multi-crore timber scam in the state’s Kannur district. The accused, including the two who surrendered before the Chottanikkara court, had allegedly participated in the large-scale felling of a Muttil tree in the area, which led to a massive loss of revenue to the exchequer. Sources close to the investigation revealed that the court had issued non-bailable warrants to the three accused following their failure to appear before the court on Monday..

The warrants were issued as part of a petition filed by M.M. Aliyar, the proprietor of Malabar Timber Industries in Karimugal, who had alleged fraud in the sale of timber from illegally felled trees. The accused are suspected to have been involved in selling timber worth a significant amount, which was sourced from trees that were felled in violation of the Kerala government’s directives..

The Muttil tree, native to certain districts in India including Kerala, has been banned for felling due to being a ‘near threatened’ species under the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The trees are protected due to their high value in the market and low supply, resulting in over-exploitation of this species. A senior official from the Kerala forest department stated that the sale of the Muttil timber has been linked to various cases of cheating and fraud across the state..

The official added that the department is working closely with the police and other authorities to ensure that those responsible for the felling of the Muttil trees are brought to justice. As part of this investigation, the forest department has also seized large quantities of timber worth millions of rupees in various districts. Kerala’s Forest Minister, K.Rajan, expressed concern over the large-scale felling of Muttil trees in the state, which has been a key factor in the depletion of the species..

The Minister stated that the government is committed to protecting the Muttil tree, which is a vital part of Kerala’s ecosystem, and has been taking measures to conserve it. The Kerala government has imposed severe restrictions on the felling of the Muttil tree following reports of its large-scale commercial exploitation. However, despite these restrictions, the tree continues to be felled by various groups and individuals..

The government has also been working to educate the local population about the importance of conserving the Muttil tree. Meanwhile, environmental activists in Kerala have been vocal about the dangers posed by the Muttil tree’s commercial exploitation. They state that the tree’s depletion will have severe consequences for the state’s ecosystem, including the loss of biodiversity and a threat to the livelihoods of many communities that depend on the forest for their survival..

The Kerala High Court had previously ordered an inquiry into the commercial exploitation of the Muttil tree, following reports that a large number of trees were being felled in violation of government directives. The court has also directed the government to take action against those responsible for the felling of the trees. The forest department has set up a dedicated team to oversee the conservation of the Muttil tree, which includes officers from the department of forest, police and wild life..

The team has been monitoring the movement of timber and the activities of those involved in the felling of the Muttil tree. The investigation into the involvement of the three accused has revealed that the timber was sourced from a Muttil tree that was felled in violation of government directives. The timber was then sold to a local buyer, who is also being investigated in the case..

The police have seized the evidence and are in the process of questioning the accused. Sources close to the investigation stated that the non-bailable warrants issued by the court were a stern warning to the accused, who are known to be influential figures in the area. The warrants have been issued with a view to ensure their appearance before the court in connection with the petition filed by M.M..

Aliyar, which alleges fraud in the sale of timber from illegally felled trees. Environmentalists in Kerala are now demanding stricter action against those involved in the commercial exploitation of the Muttil tree. They are calling upon the government to take immediate action to protect the tree, which is considered an endangered species..

As part of this, they are demanding harsher penalties for those found guilty of felling the tree without proper permission from the authorities..