Muttil tree-felling cheating case posted for framing charges on Aug 31

The Chottanikkara Judicial First Class Magistrate Court in Ernakulam, Kerala, has posted the cheating case linked to the Muttil tree-felling scandal for framing of charges on August 31, 2026. The three accused siblings -- Roji Augustine, Jose Kutty Augustine, and Anto Augustine -- face charges in a case registered by the Ambalamedu police on a petition filed by M.M. Aliyar, proprietor of Malabar Timber Industries, Karimugal, alleging fraud in the sale of timber from illegally felled trees in 2021.

The court permitted the second and third accused to appear for the framing of charges through video conferencing. However, their plea challenging the court’s jurisdiction to preside over the case was dismissed. Earlier this month, the court had issued non-bailable warrants against the accused after they failed to appear personally for the framing of charges. They later surrendered before the court, following which the warrants were recalled.