Kerala minister calls for wider probe into Muttil tree-felling case

Kerala Forests Minister Shibu Baby John has called for a comprehensive investigation into the controversial Muttil tree-felling case, alleging irregularities and high-level corruption. Speaking to the media in Kollam, Mr John said the incident went beyond a straightforward case of unauthorised tree felling. He said the government needed to examine the alleged conspiracy behind the cutting and transport of timber.

The minister said a government order issued by senior bureaucrat A. Jayathilak would be investigated. According to Mr John, widespread removal of timber took place under the authority or appearance of the directive.

He said the order was eventually revoked, but that the cancellation was officially published only after a delay of 75 days. During that period, he alleged, most of the trees were cut down and transported. Mr John said the government was still working from limited initial information and that the full details had yet to emerge.

He nevertheless assured reporters that the administration would take a firm position and examine every aspect of the case. The minister said the investigation would seek to identify those who engineered the operation. The source material did not state whether anyone had been charged, how much timber was removed or which agencies would conduct the inquiry.

Mr John also responded to remarks by MP Adoor Prakash criticising United Democratic Front leadership. He said he did not know the specific context of the remarks but supported the position previously expressed by All India Congress Committee general secretary K.C. Venugopal.

That political issue was separate from the minister’s allegations concerning the tree-felling case.