Published Sep 28, 2026 | 1:15 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 28, 2026 | 1:15 PM
Forest Minister Shibu Baby John.
Keralam Forest Minister Shibu Baby John has sought a Home Department investigation into the Muttil tree-felling case, citing serious suspicions over the alleged subversion of the proceedings and a possible conspiracy behind the controversial government order that facilitated the felling.
The demand for a probe follows a journalist’s revelation that the accused Augustine brothers had allegedly held discussions and conspired at the office of prominent Malayalam journalist and politician Nikesh Kumar.
The minister said the revelation by the journalist, who was reportedly a direct witness to the alleged meeting, warranted a detailed investigation into all suspicious aspects of the case.
The minister also questioned the circumstances surrounding an order issued during the tenure of former Revenue Principal Secretary A. Jayathilak, who later became Chief Secretary.
He described the order permitting the felling of trees as “bizarre”, noting that it was given a validity of only three months.
John also said the order was issued despite warnings from officials about the possibility of its misuse for illegal tree felling.
He claimed the circumstances raised questions as to whether the procedural lapses were accidental or deliberate, and whether they created a loophole for the accused to escape legal action.
A total of 41 cases have been registered in connection with the Muttil tree-felling incident.
Occurrence Reports (ORs) were initially registered on the premise that the trees had been removed from forest land. Subsequent proceedings, including cases in Sultan Bathery, have focused on determining whether the trees were illegally felled from revenue land or forest land.
According to Minister John, it has emerged that the nine trees allegedly shown as having been felled from private land belonging to Molly and Jose were not actually cut from that location.
He said this pointed to serious procedural lapses during the initial stages of the case.
The Head of the Forest Department has been directed to examine the procedural lapses and determine whether they occurred deliberately. A report has been sought, following which further action will be decided.
The minister said he had discussed the matter with the Home Department and sought an investigation into the alleged conspiracy, as well as any possible lapses or sabotage in the earlier charge sheet.
He said strict action would be taken against those found responsible, irrespective of their position or role.
(Edited by Fayisa CA)
