Wayanad: The DNA test conducted on the trees cut by the accused, Anto Augustine and Roji Augustine, have found that the age of three trees were more than 500 years. The DNA test on the fell trees were done at the Kerala Forest Research Institute in Peechi. This is the first time that DNA test is done on trees in Kerala.
The Augustine brothers had cut 104 trees at Muttil village in Wayanad. According to a report, they cut the trees by misrepresenting a government order.
The DNA test revealed that three of the trees were more than 500 years old, with one tree having 574 years age. The rest of the trees were more than 100 years. With the DNA results out, the argument of the accused falls apart. They had argued that they cut the trees based on the government order allowing them to cut trees which were planted after 1964. The age of the trees will completely change the course of the case.
The charge sheet in the case will be filed in August as the DNA report is received. Though the proceedings to submit the charge sheet are progressing quickly, there are complaints that the Revenue Department is trying to help the accused.
The case is being investigated under the leadership of Tanur Dy.SP Benny. The Augustine brothers have approached the court requesting that the case including the FIR must be squashed. There is also a case at the High Court against the Forest Department for confiscating the trees.
Comments