KOZHIKODE: The agriculture minister should visit the land in Mekkottumala, near Kuttiady, where 41 coconut trees were cut using machine from the plot of an NRI out of political rivalry, said Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala. Even a month after the unparalleled cruelty, no action has been taken against the violators, said Mr Chennithala, who visited the land late on Saturday night. “The trees were felled using machine and still the police is not able to at least question the suspected persons in this crime. Their hands are tied,” he said.
The trees were cut allegedly by the CPM workers in a party village under the cover of night. The issues started again after K.P. Vinodan bought the land. On March 20, miscreants rooted out the newly-planted coconut seedling, that was planted as a mark of protest against the destruction. The 1.6 acre plot was bought by Mr Vinodan seven months ago. He alleged that coconuts were being stolen from his land and that complaints to the police did not fetch any result. Vinodan said, considering the sensitivity of the area, he had sought the opinion of the CPM local leaders, prior to buying the property.
