Royal trees stolen under cover of govt order; officials conspired with contractors, says charge sheet of crime branch

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The crime branch asserted that officials have a role in the widespread looting of trees in the state after misusing the revenue order. The charge sheet of the crime branch mentioned that the officers conspired after joining hands with the contractors. Massive financial frauds had also taken place. Therefore, the charge sheet said the case was registered under various sections including conspiracy and theft.

Royal trees were stolen under the cover of a government order. The charge sheet said trees were felled on title deed-forest-puramboke land. The crime branch has decided to investigate the tree looting till June 15.

As part of expanding the investigation, the crime branch will take over the tree felling cases registered by the police in various stations. The first investigation of the crime branch will focus on Wayanad, Thrissur, Idukki and Ernakulam. The state police chief had reported to the chief minister that a case should be registered against the accused under the Indian Penal Code and the Prevention of Corruption Act.