Forests Minister Shibu Baby John alleges irregularities, high-level corruption in Muttil tree-felling case
Forests Minister Shibu Baby John has called for a high-level investigation into the Muttil tree-felling case, alleging a conspiracy and corruption involving a revoked government order. The minister claims that a 75-day delay in the order's cancellation allowed for widespread illegal timber harvesting.
Why it matters
The case exposes potential systemic corruption and environmental mismanagement, prompting calls for accountability at the bureaucratic level.
Alleging massive irregularities and high-level corruption in the controversial Muttil tree-felling case, Forests Minister Shibu Baby John on Saturday said that the incident goes far beyond a simple case of unauthorised tree felling and requires a thorough probe into the underlying conspiracy.
Addressing the media in Kollam, the Minister pointed out that the government order issued by senior bureaucrat A. Jayathilak will be investigated, noting that widespread looting of timber took place under the guise of the directive. “The controversial order was eventually revoked, but the cancellation was officially published only after a delay of 75 days. Taking advantage of this 75-day window, a vast majority of the trees were cut down and transported,” he said.
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