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States » SouthPosted at: May 16 2025 5:33PM


MLA's misconduct at Padom Forest Station courts controversy

Pathanamthitta, May 16 (UNI) Representatives of 'Coexistence Collective -Kerala' has demanded action against Konni MLA KU Jenish Kumar's misconduct at the Padom Forest Station.
On May 14, KU. Jenish Kumar reportedly entered the Padom Forest Station without authorization, disrupted an ongoing investigation into the suspected electrocution of a wild elephant, and forcible release of an individual detained for questioning regarding the illegal installation of a high-voltage solar fence, they alleged.
This fence is believed to have caused the tragic death of an elephant at Kulathumannu, they said.
"This incident has triggered widespread outrage among environmentalists, forest officials and the general public, raising serious concerns about the rule of law and the integrity of wildlife protection efforts in Kerala," they said.
Widely circulated video footage clearly shows the the MLA intimidating, verbally abusing, and threatening forest officials, including incendiary remarks such as “Naxalites will return and set the station on fire.”
Such actions constitute criminal intimidation, incitement to violence, obstruction of public servants, and interference in lawful investigation-offences punishable under the Indian Penal Code and the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The elected representatives including the concerned MLA’s are supposed to abide by the Constitution of India, which give ample importance to the protection of wildlife, and their habitats and we believe it is the leaders who should be convincing the laymen about protection of wildlife, rather than becoming ambassador’s of destruction, they said.
The elected representatives including the concerned MLA’s actions directly undermine the authority of government officials and the sanctity of due process, setting a dangerous precedent if left unaddressed.
Political interference has compromised a critical wildlife crime investigation, sending a message that political power can override conservation laws.
Such interference undermines the morale and safety of frontline forest personnel, who already work under challenging and life-threatening conditions.
The MLA’s attempt to communalise the issue and vilify forest officials is irresponsible, threatening to polarise the community and erode public trust in the Forest Department.
Illegal agricultural activities, particularly pineapple and other wildlife attracting plantations near forest boundaries, are escalating human-elephant conflict and endangering both wildlife and local communities.
Elected representatives are accountable to the public and must champion wildlife conservation, ensuring laws and regulations are enforced and raising awareness about environmental issues within their constituencies, they said.
They also demanded a probe by a committee of senior officials, legal experts, and independent conservationists to investigate the MLA’s actions in the broader context of illegal encroachments and wildlife crime.
They urged the authorities to register a FIR and initiate criminal proceedings under relevant sections of the IPC and Wildlife (Protection) Act, Adv. Santhosh TS said in a release.
UNI DS GNK
Tags: #MLA's misconduct at Padom Forest Station courts controversy
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