Special Investigation Team Files 36 Chargesheets in Muttil Tree Felling Case
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the massive Muttil tree felling scandal in Kerala has taken a decisive legal step by filing chargesheets in 36 separate cases. The documents were formally submitted to the Bathery Judicial First Class Magistrate Court, targeting the key accused: brothers Roji Augustine, Josekutty Augustine, and Anto Augustine.
Exploitation of a Controversial Government Order
Investigators detail that the accused orchestrated large-scale deforestation by cynically misinterpreting a controversial order issued by the state revenue department in October 2020. This order had permitted farmers to cut down trees they had planted on lands assigned to them under the Kerala Land Assignment Rules of 1964, with the sole exception of sandalwood.
The chargesheets allege that the Augustine brothers and their associates exploited this provision, not for legitimate farming, but to systematically fell valuable, mature trees that were naturally growing on the land. They are accused of deceiving numerous landowners and misrepresenting the government directive to carry out illegal logging operations worth crores of rupees throughout 2020 and 2021.
Scale of the Environmental and Financial Damage
The scale of the operation is staggering. Timber valued at approximately Rs 15 crore, which was smuggled during the illicit activity, is currently impounded and stored at the Forest Department's Kuppadi depot. Forensic examination has revealed a tragic loss of heritage, with many of the confiscated logs estimated to be between 100 and 500 years old.
In a significant earlier ruling, the court issued orders in January 2023 to ensure the preservation of this valuable timber without any damage. Furthermore, an appeal filed by the accused against the forest department's seizure of 120 high-value teak logs, worth over Rs 10 crore, was dismissed, strengthening the prosecution's case.
Legal Charges and Investigation Timeline
The investigation, led by DSP V V Benny, has been meticulous. This latest filing builds upon the first chargesheet submitted by the SIT in December 2023 against 12 accused. The accused now face a battery of serious charges under the Indian Penal Code and other acts, including:
- Criminal breach of trust (IPC Sections 406 & 409)
- Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property (IPC 420)
- Criminal conspiracy (IPC 120B read with 34)
- Forgery and using forged documents (IPC 465 & 471)
- Violations under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act
The scandal prompted the state government to withdraw the disputed revenue order in February 2021, but the legal and environmental repercussions of the illegal felling continue to unfold in the courts of Wayanad district.
