Muttil tree-felling case: circumstances leading to ex-Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak’s order under scrutiny, says Forest Minister

Keralam Forest and Wildlife Minister Shibu Baby John has called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the controversial Muttil tree-felling case, including the possibility of a conspiracy behind the issuance of the Revenue order that facilitated the felling of tree and alleged lapses in the subsequent probe.

The Minister said the Forest department had resubmitted the chargesheet in the case after rectifying the errors pointed out by the Bench clerk in the court. He said the allegation surrounding the case, including claims made by the former prosecutor, would be examined.

“There are several mysterious circumstances in the case. The circumstances under which the order issued by the then Revenue Secretary A. Jayathilak (later Chief Secretary) also need to be investigated,” Mr. John said.