Augustine brothers face arrest warrants in Wayanad timber case

The Chottanikkara Magistrate Court has issued non-bailable warrants against Anto Augustine, Roji Augustine, and Josekutty Augustine in connection with the controversial Wayanad Muttil tree-felling case. The warrants were issued after the accused failed to appear in court during recent hearings.

The case involves allegations of illegal timber transportation and sale. It is claimed that the accused transported valuable timber, including rosewood and teak, from Muttil South Village in Wayanad to a timber company in Ambalamedu, Ernakulam. The company owner alleged that the brothers misled them by claiming to possess valid Forest Department transit passes, effectively committing breach of trust and fraud.

The investigation centers on the unauthorized felling of protected, centuries-old trees. While the accused reportedly attempted to use a 2020 government order regarding farmer-planted trees as legal cover, authorities allege they forged documents to misappropriate government-protected timber. This case is notable for being the first in India to include DNA test results of trees within a police chargesheet.