Pinarayi defending tainted forest officers in Muttil tree felling case, alleges Satheesan

By Express News Service

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the Dharmadam connection within the Muttil tree felling case coming to the forefront, Opposition chief V D Satheesan has urged Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to interrupt his silence on the controversial situation. Talking to reporters at Cantonment House, Satheesan alleged that the Chief Minister is defending the perpetrators.

Rajesh Ravindran, extra principal chief conservator of forests (forest, land and sources), who was entrusted to probe into the Muttil tree felling case had submitted a report back to the federal government on June 29 stating that there have been makes an attempt to sabotage the investigation. Also, there have been makes an attempt to border forest vary officer M Ok Sameer who had unearthed the rip-off, he stated.

The accused within the case, Anto Augustine and tainted forest official NT Sajan, had allegedly spoken over cell phone 86 instances in 4 months.  

This is the second time Satheesan has raised the Dharmadam connection within the tree felling situation.

“Pinarayi has tried to protect tainted forest officials who are accused in the Muttil tree felling case. He should reveal the Dharmadam connection. The state government is groping in the dark. It is high time Pinarayi ended his silence,” stated Satheesan.

The Opposition chief additionally blamed the LDF authorities for being a ‘scarecrow’ in combating the COVID-19 pandemic. He urged that the prevailing authorities set-up needs to be restructured as at the moment well being staff are compelled to do tedious work.

“The state government has been fudging the health statistics. They should reveal accurate health data so that the third wave can be combated. Pinarayi is reading out the statistics provided by the health department officials who are misleading him. It is the restrictions imposed by the authorities which have become a spoilsport in combating the pandemic,” added Satheesan.

On Wednesday, posters towards Satheesan had sprung up in entrance of the District Congress Committee workplace at Ernakulam. Reacting to it, Satheesan maintained that he won’t stoop to the extent of forming a bunch throughout the social gathering.

“The party is above the groups. It is preposterous and I do not wish to stoop to such levels to form a group. I wish to reiterate that I will not succumb to the pressures being posed by certain people deliberately,” added Satheesan in a veiled assault towards the group leaders and their managers.

He additionally knowledgeable that when State Congress president Ok Sudhakaran returns from New Delhi, the social gathering will likely be holding talks because the 5 subcommittees have submitted their reviews on the ballot drubbing throughout the state.