States » SouthPosted at: Sep 20 2026 7:48AM


DFO transfer raises questions over 657.87-hectare forest land encroachment probe in Kerala

Nilambur (Kerala), Sep 20 (UNI) The transfer of Nilambur North Divisional Forest Officer P. Dhaneesh Kumar has raised questions as a special investigation into the alleged encroachment of 657.8708 hectares of forest land in the division is reportedly at a crucial stage.
Dhaneesh Kumar was transferred from the post and K.K. Sunilkumar appointed as the new DFO. According to reports, the transfer order was issued while Dhaneesh Kumar was attending official training in Dehradun. He was expected to return after completing the training in October.
The transfer has drawn attention as investigations are also underway into alleged forest land encroachments, unauthorised pattas, illegal quarrying and mining, timber felling, wildlife offences and corruption complaints against former officials.
The transfer order does not specify the reason for the move, prompting questions over whether it was part of a routine administrative exercise or had any connection with investigations being handled by the officer.
Those questioning the transfer have sought clarification from the government on the administrative reasons for the decision and whether it has any connection with the ongoing investigations.
They said the change of officer should not affect any investigation or legal proceedings and called for all ongoing probes to continue without interruption.
Particular attention, they said, should be given to the investigation into the alleged encroachment of 657.8708 hectares and to ensuring the preservation of documents and other evidence collected during the probe.
Allegations have also been raised over forest land encroachments and the alleged creation of unauthorised pattas in areas including Pullipadam village.
Questions have been raised over the nature and status of the land, including which portions constitute forest land, private land or lawfully allotted land, and how allegedly unauthorised records or pattas were created.
Those raising the issue said the matter should be examined on the basis of Revenue and Forest department records, survey documents, maps, site inspections, legal records and other available evidence. They also called for any differences between the Revenue and Forest departments to be resolved through scrutiny of records and due legal procedures.
Complaints relating to alleged illegal quarrying near or inside forest areas should also be pursued, including verification of whether the required statutory permissions had been obtained and whether action had been taken against unauthorised quarrying, they said.
Questions have also been raised over alleged illegal mining in forest areas, including complaints relating to gold mining in parts of Chaliyar.
There have also been allegations that administrative complaints had been raised against Dhaneesh Kumar during the previous government and that he had been asked to seek a transfer, which he allegedly did not agree to. These allegations have not been established, and those raising them have sought clarification from the government on whether such complaints existed and what the relevant records showed.
The issue, they said, was not about portraying any particular officer as indispensable but about examining the circumstances of the transfer in the context of the investigations currently underway.
During his tenure as DFO in Nenmara, Dhaneesh Kumar was reportedly involved in efforts to recover large stretches of forest land allegedly encroached upon in Nelliyampathy. His name has been associated with action that resulted in around 6,000 acres being brought back under government control.
As DFO of the Kozhikode Flying Squad, he was also reported to have taken action in the Mutt'il timber-felling case and in matters involving alleged forest mafia activities, wildlife hunting, unauthorised resorts and forest land encroachments.
His service has reportedly been recognised with a State Government gold medal, a Good Service Entry, the Sanctuary Asia award and recognition from the Wildlife Institute of India.
Subsequently, allegations were raised by various quarters that Dhaneesh Kumar was transferred because he did not yield to vested interests and that the move was intended to create a favourable environment for interests associated with forest encroachment and quarrying. These allegations have not been established as facts.
Some political leaders and environmental organisations have also criticised the transfer. CPM area secretary K. Mohanan alleged that the transfer would benefit forest encroachers, while the Nilambur Environment Protection Committee described the move as objectionable.
Those questioning the transfer have demanded that the government disclose the administrative reasons for the decision and clarify whether any political, administrative or external intervention was involved.
They have also questioned the timing of the transfer, particularly as the officer was attending official training in Dehradun and was expected to return only after completion of the programme in October.
They sought clarification on why the transfer was considered urgent before completion of the training and why no reason was specified if it was part of a routine administrative restructuring.
They have further sought details of the present status of the special investigation into the 657.8708 hectares, the probes into alleged encroachments and unauthorised pattas in Pullipadam and elsewhere, and the custody of documents and evidence collected during the investigations.
The government has also been asked to clarify whether all relevant files, survey records, maps, photographs, digital records and statements have been formally handed over to the new DFO and whether investigations and legal proceedings relating to alleged illegal quarrying, mining and corruption complaints against former officials will continue.
Another demand is for clarification on whether any political, administrative or external pressure was involved in the transfer.
Those raising the issue said their demand was not necessarily for the reinstatement of a particular officer but for institutional protection for officials carrying out their duties in accordance with law.
They said the identity or influence of an alleged encroacher should not determine the course of an investigation and that the law should be applied irrespective of the political or social standing of those involved.
Forest land, they pointed out, is public property and an important habitat for biodiversity, besides being linked to the interests of tribal communities, farmers and wildlife.
They demanded that complaints relating to forest land encroachment be examined on the basis of documentary and scientific evidence and applicable law.
The campaign said that while an officer could be transferred, an investigation should not be weakened or discontinued merely because of a change in personnel.
The issue, they said, was ultimately about ensuring that investigations continue irrespective of changes in personnel, that the probe into the 657.8708 hectares is completed transparently and that allegations of encroachment in Pullipadam and other areas are fully examined.
The campaign also sought an assurance that political or financial influence would not affect the investigations.
The statement was issued under the banner of “Voice for Integrity, Right and Indigenous Yard for Animals” and “Voice of Nilambur”.
UNI DS
Tags: #DFO transfer raises questions over 657.87-hectare forest land encroachment probe in Kerala
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