‘Mysterious circumstances in Muttil tree felling case; everything needs to be investigated’

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Forest Minister Shibu Baby John said that many more details are yet to emerge in the Muttil tree felling case. The minister said that an investigation is needed into how the then revenue secretary, Jayathilak, issued the order permitting the felling of trees. While addressing the media, he said the revelation of a journalist, who claimed to have witnessed a conspiracy by the accused in the case, should be investigated.

‘Many mysterious circumstances in connection with the Muttil tree felling case need to be investigated. I received a complaint via email today, mentioning serious things. A journalist had claimed to have witnessed a conspiracy by the accused in the Muttil tree felling case a few days ago. It has to be investigated.

It needs to be examined under what circumstances Jayathilak issued the order to fell the trees. I have raised this matter to the home minister and spoke to the chief minister about it. All matters related to the case will be investigated. I have asked to submit a report after examining whether the lapses in the chargesheet filed at the time were deliberate. A total of 108 rosewood trees were seized from the accused. There are 41 cases related to the accused in the Muttil tree felling case. What needs to be found out now is how Jayathilak arrived at such a strange order,’ he said.