Kochi: The Kerala high court came down heavily on the state government in connection with Muttil tree felling case. The court pointed out that the probe is not progressing in the right direction and opined that the government’s carelessness is the reason behind the delay in the arrest of the accused.
The high court made this remark while considering the petition filed by Thrissur native George Vattukulam demanding to hand over the probe to the CBI. The division bench headed by the High Court chief justice considered the plea.
The court was irked over the delay in the arrest of the culprits. The Advocate General (AG) informed the court that they could not be nabbed yet due to the Covid situation. The court inquired how many people were arrested as 701 cases were registered in connection with Muttil tree felling case.
When the AG informed the court that one of the accused obtained bail, the court directed to file an affidavit in connection with the case. With this, the government will have to submit an affidavit by next Monday.
The court also observed that 300 trees were chopped down and they were not planted by the farmers. Why did the government fail to arrest the culprits though it was clear that tree felling was illegal, the court asked.
RELATED STORIES
.jpg?$p=884f855&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
.jpg?$p=c6b2b5f&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
.png?$p=8676a2f&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
.jpg?$p=85b4690&q=0.8&f=16x11&w=104)
