Idukki: The Kerala government on Thursday recovered around 12 acres of encroached land in Chinnakanal as part of the ongoing Munnar Mission. The land had allegedly been taken over using forged title deeds by 12 individuals.

Among the accused is VX Albin, a Santhanpara area committee member of the ruling CPM and also a bank president. He is said to have illegally taken possession of approximately 2.5 acres.

Encroachments near restricted zone

The encroached plots are situated along the roadside that leads from Chinnakanal to the 70-acre restricted zone. Officials also found encroachment at two additional points along the Chinnakanal–Suryanelli stretch.

Just a day before this, the Revenue Department had reclaimed about nine acres from five individuals. These plots had allegedly been acquired using a fraudulent title deed registered in the name of a woman named Valliyamma.