Forcible release of man from custody: MLA Jenish booked
Kottayam: Police booked Konni MLA K U Jenish Kumar of CPM for threatening and forcibly releasing a person from forest department's custody on Thursday. Naduvathumoozhy forest range officer, Padom deputy range officer and staff gave statements against the MLA to Koodal police.
A high-level forest department team recorded the statement in the Konni forest range office as well.
The MLA was booked under IPC Section 132 (for preventing the forest officers from discharging their duties) and 351 (2) (for threatening). The forest officers' association also filed a complaint against Jenish.
The MLA forcibly released Tamil Nadu native Raju from the forest station earlier this week. He was taken into custody in connection with the electrocution of a jumbo at Kulathumannu near Konni in Pathanamthitta.
The MLA was heard shouting at the forest officers that Naxalites would return and set fire to the forest station. Konni DSP T Rajapa Ravuther was also present at the station.
Jenish claimed he intervened as the forest officers were charging cases against innocent people in connection with the jumbo's death. A person was taken into custody without following any legal procedures, he stated.
Meanwhile, the forest department said the jumbo died as excessive current was passed through the solar fencing.
Meanwhile, Coexistence Collective-Kerala, a group of environmental activists and concerned citizens, demanded immediate action over the incident. They sought an independent high-level inquiry, registration of an FIR and initiation of criminal proceedings under relevant sections of the IPC and Wildlife (Protection) Act. They also called for protection for forest officials, ensuring they are not subjected to political victimisation, and a crackdown on illegal encroachments.
Additionally, they requested a formal censure motion or disciplinary proceedings in the assembly against Jenish for gross misconduct. They urged a public statement reaffirming the govt's commitment to upholding the rule of law, protecting forest staff and ensuring justice for wildlife lost due to illegal activities.
Kerala Council of Churches came out against the forest officers, citing past incidents and asking them to realise that they are not masters but servants of the public. Its general secretary, Prakash P Thomas, said the forest department was taking innocent people into custody in the name of
Wildlife Protection Act
. Even the MLA of the ruling front is forced to take a stand against the forest officials, he said.
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