Thiruvananthapuram, Jun 8 : Opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) Today staged a walkout from Kerala Assembly in protest denial of an adjournment motion seeking discussion over illegal felling and smuggling of centuries-old rosewood trees from a tribal village in Wayanad.
Seeking the leave of the House to move the adjournment motion, PT Thomas of Congress asked whether Forest Minister AK Saseendran, allegedly accused in several cases earlier, had any contact with the culprits behind the crime.
Though more than 40 cases have been registered in connection with the crime at Muttil village, no one had been arrested yet, he pointed out.
Demanding a High Court-monitored probe into the case, he said the smugglers ferried the timber worth crores from northern Wayanad to a sawmill in central Kerala in Ernakulam during COVID lockdown.
This could happen only with the support of those who are in power, leaving suspicion on a recent GO allowing farmers to fell trees except sandalwood from their land having title deeds. The GO was issued by the Revenue Principal secretary last year.
But, Minister AK Saseendran denied the Opposition charges assuring that a charge sheet on the issue will be submitted to the court soon after the inquiry.
As many as 101 rosewood trees, valued at Rs 10 crore, were found missing from the village, he added.
The Minister assured that stern action will be taken against the culprits and officials responsible for the illegal act.
Following the Minister’s reply, Speaker MB Rajesh denied permission to move the adjournment motion leading to the walkout by the Opposition members in protest against the denial of discussion on the matter.(UNI)