KALPETTA: Vigilance team found that the rosewood trees cut down from Muttil region did not belong to the forest land. Preliminary report states that it is clear that these are trees on land assigned by the Revenue Department.

A team led by Idukki Flying Squad DFO Shanti Tom inspected the documents at the Meppadi and Kalpetta range offices. From today, the inspection will be conducted at the offices under North Wayanad Forest Division. The team is also checking whether the pass and cutting permit have been issued illegally.

The investigation team concluded that the looting of timber in Muttil South Village was not with the knowledge of the forest department. It is clear that the robbery was carried out with help from a high level. The tree felling since March 2020 is under Vigilance's investigation.

Kozhikode Flying Squad DFO P Dhanesh Kumar is in charge of the North Zone team among the five teams appointed by the government to probe the timber looting. An investigation led by Sultan Bathery DySP VV Benny is also underway into an earlier complaint lodged by the forest department.