Nine people have been arrested in connection with the logging of Sugandhagiri tribal land in Wayanad. The main accused Ibrahim, Abdul Majeed, Chandradas, Abdul Nasser, Hasankutty and Hanifa and those who helped in smuggling the trees were arrested.
Abu Tahir and MK Prince Sudhirkumar were arrested for helping to smuggle the trees. After the District Principal Sessions Court rejected the anticipatory bail plea of the main accused yesterday, they surrendered before Kalpatta Range Officer K Neetu. Three others were arrested yesterday morning under the leadership of the range officer. They are tree removal crane owner, crane operator and tractor driver. The accused who were produced in the court were remanded. The crane was seized from Ambalavyal. Those who surrendered will be produced in court on Thursday.
The felling was done under the guise of permission to cut 20 trees. The latest finding is that 102 trees were cut. The government had appointed an investigation team in the incident. The decision was based on the information that the forest department officials were also involved in the logging. Once the report of the investigation team is received, further steps will be taken.
