Kerala's forest department seized an earthmover belonging to a tribal farmer four and a half years ago, prompting the man to threaten self‑immolation. The forest minister has now demanded a detailed report and promised a meeting to resolve the dispute.
Key Takeaways
- Forest department has held the earthmover for 4.5 years without release
- Tribal farmer threatened self‑immolation, prompting a government‑led meeting
- Opposition argues Section 61A of the Kerala Forest Act is misapplied
Kerala Forest Minister Shibu Baby John has asked the Munnar Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) for a comprehensive report on the seizure of an earthmover owned by a tribal farmer. The request follows a dramatic protest on July 9, 2026, when 46‑year‑old Ajeesh Kumar poured petrol over himself and threatened to set himself ablaze in front of the Nagarampara forest range office.
Background and Legal Tangles
Ajeesh, a resident of Pazhayarikandam in Kanjikkuzhy, says the forest department lodged a case against him and another local in 2020 for illegal soil removal and tree felling on land that had been privately owned for decades. The department initially valued the uprooted trees at a nominal ₹700. A year later, a deputy range officer allegedly instructed Ajeesh to surrender his earthmover—valued at about ₹30 lakh—promising its return within ten days.
Years of Delay and Judicial Friction
Four‑and‑a‑half years later, the earthmover remains in departmental custody. Ajeesh claims to have approached the High Court two years ago; the court directed the department to decide on the vehicle’s release, but forest officials allegedly resisted the order. Officials clarified that the vehicle seizure is a separate matter from the tree‑felling case, which is still pending before the courts.
Political Reaction and Social Impact
Rasak Chooravelil, chairman of the Idukki Land Freedom Movement (ILFM), argues that the seizure under Section 61A of the Kerala Forest Act is inappropriate because the land has been under private possession for over 60 years. He accuses forest officials of “anti‑people” actions masquerading as anti‑encroachment enforcement. The SC/ST department has also stepped in, and officials assured Ajeesh that a meeting will be held at the Munnar DFO office on July 14, 2026, to discuss a possible resolution.
What Lies Ahead
If the DFO’s final order favours Ajeesh, he can reclaim his earthmover; otherwise, the vehicle will be confiscated by the state. When the case was taken to court two years ago, the authorities demanded an ₹18‑lakh bond, which the family never submitted. This dispute highlights the delicate balance between strict forest‑conservation laws and the rights of indigenous communities, raising questions about administrative transparency and equitable enforcement in Kerala.
