Thiruvananthapuram: The case of Muttil tree felling investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) suggests the possibility of the involvement of state government high-level officials. Both the Forest Department and Revenue Department authorities are suspected to have played a role in this, as per the ongoing investigation. Although the police have already uncovered fake invoices amounting to eight crore rupees in connection with the tree stumps, the ED is now focusing on probing higher-ranking officials. The ED aims to determine whether the former revenue minister E Chandrasekaran was in connection in the matter.
During the ED probe, the Revenue Department’s circular allowing tree cutting for such large sums has also come under scrutiny. There are indications that some officials might have been aware of the situation and leaked the information to others, raising doubts about the transparency of the process. The ED is diligently examining the records related to tree cutting in the Forest Department as part of its investigation. Additionally, they are looking into whether Revenue Department officers were involved in unauthorised practises regarding tree felling.
Furthermore, the Enforcement Directorate has initiated a money laundering investigation against the chiefs of the Reporter channel related to the Muttil tree felling case. Despite warnings from some officials about potential theft, the suspicion lies in the hurried issuance of the tree-cutting circular.
The fact that individuals, including Chandrasekaran, were aware of the incidence adds to the gravity of the matter. In addition, the Forest Department has assisted the ED in collecting wood.
Discussion about this post