ANEC Trust Seeks Time-Bound Probe into Repeated Sandalwood Thefts in Kerala
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Kochi, Oct 28: ANEC Trust has urged the Kerala Government to order an independent, time-bound inquiry into repeated sandalwood thefts and suspected illegal tree felling in the Nenmara Forest Division, particularly the Kollengode Forest Range.
In a representation submitted to the Forest Minister, Chief Secretary and senior forest officials, the trust cited reports of around 30 sandalwood trees being stolen from Vamala and Thekkady over the past two months and nearly 25 sandalwood and other trees being felled at Kottamala during the past week.
The organisation expressed concern over the alleged absence of arrests in some cases and sought a detailed review of forest protection measures, patrolling records, investigations and departmental action. It also called for verification of an earlier tree-felling incident at Vattayarmadakku, where forest personnel were reportedly suspended.
The trust demanded a review of all sandalwood-related offences registered in the Nenmara Forest Division over the past five years, particularly in Kollengode range. It urged authorities to examine patrol registers, beat books, GPS records and other evidence to identify possible negligence and fix accountability.
Highlighting the reported proximity of Vattayarmadakku to the Anamalai Tiger Reserve and its accessibility from Tamil Nadu, the trust sought verification of forest boundaries and possible inter-State timber transportation links.
ANEC Trust also called for the preservation of evidence and supervision of the inquiry by a senior officer not directly connected with the cases. It sought a written, time-bound Action Taken Report detailing investigation progress, arrests, recoveries and preventive measures.
"Repeated reports of sandalwood theft and suspected illegal felling cannot be treated as minor or unrelated incidents without proper verification," said Adv Santhosh T S, legal representative of ANEC Trust, stressing the need for a credible and evidence-based investigation.
