Kerala Forest Minister seeks report after tribal man threatens to kill himself over vehicle seizure
A tribal man in Kerala threatened self-immolation after the Forest Department seized his earth mover four years ago over a disputed land case. The Forest Minister has intervened, ordering a report on the incident following public outcry and claims of administrative overreach.
Why it matters
The incident underscores ongoing tensions between tribal communities and forest authorities regarding land rights and the seizure of private property.
Forest Minister Shibu Baby John has sought a report from the Munnar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) regarding the seizure of an earth mover owned by a tribal man. According to sources, the Minister intervened after the owner threatened self-immolation in front of the Nagarampara forest range office under the Kothamangalam forest range on Thursday (July 9, 2026).
According to the tribal man, identified as Ajeesh Kumar (46), a resident of Pazhayarikandam in Kanjikkuzhy, the forest officials booked a case against him and another resident in 2020 over soil removal and the uprooting of trees on land that had been in a private individual’s possession for years. The Forest department initially valued the uprooted trees at just ₹700. However, a year later, the deputy range officer allegedly directed Mr. Ajeesh to surrender his vehicle to the Forest department, promising its release within 10 days.
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