PATHANAMTHITTA: Police, in its investigation report, have pointed out 12 lapses committed by forest officials of Chittar forest range office, in connection with the incidents that led to the mysterious death of Mathai in Pathanamthitta. The investigation team has handed over the report to district police chief.

Though seven forest officials have been transferred, more stringent action like their suspension may follow.

The investigators have questioned the accused officers and their statements were found to be contradictory. One woman officer is yet to be questioned.
They have also taken the statements of Arun, who claimed to be Mathai’s friend despite giving statements in favour of forest officials.

He claimed to have seen Mathai causing damage to the CCTV cameras. Police have found out that the forest officers had an opportunity to save Mathai but they didn’t try for it.

Meanwhile, the special team appointed by the forest depart has not come up with a comprehensive report on the incident. It was yesterday that the team headed by Narcotic Cell DySP R Pradeep Kumar submitted the preliminary report to District Police Chief.

The report, however, reveals the flaws from the part of seven officer including Deputy Range Forest Officer.