Trees that were illegally felled will be confiscated and govt will take custody of it, presence of accused officials in team will not affect investigation: AK Saseendran

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Forest Minister AK Saseendran has said that all the timber smuggled under the cover of the government order will be confiscated and the government will take custody of it. While stating that the presence of accused officials in the probe team will not affect the investigation of the tree felling case, the minister added that the interim reports against them are part of the investigation.

AK Saseendran said that when another order is issued, the order would ensure the complete protection of protected trees (royal trees). The matter will be discussed with the Revenue Minister. The ongoing high-level investigation will be completed soon.

"The government intends three things. Farmers should be protected, officials involved in wrongdoing should be punished and the protection of protected trees should be fully ensured,” he said.