CPI(M) workers block resort eviction in Munnar

Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] workers allegedly threatened a Revenue department official on Tuesday after an official team attempted to shut down a resort constructed without the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC). The incident occurred at Suryanelli, near Munnar.

The Kerala High Court had recently issued an interim order directing that operations at the resort, owned by Suryanelli resident S. Manoj, be halted. Acting on the court’s directive, Udumbanchola land records (LR) tahsildar Sidhik Kutty, Chinnakkanal panchayat secretary V. Santhosh Kumar, and personnel from the Santhanpara police station reached the site to enforce the closure.

However, the team was allegedly obstructed by CPI(M) workers led by district secretariat member N.P. Sunil Kumar. Video footage of the incident purportedly shows Mr. Sunil Kumar threatening the officials as they attempted to carry out the eviction.

Written undertaking

Following the confrontation and continued intimidation, the officials refrained from proceeding with the closure and instead obtained a written undertaking from the resort owner stating that he would not operate the facility.

Mr. Sidhik Kutty said he would submit a detailed report on the incident to Idukki District Collector Sheeba George. “We will file a police complaint seeking action against those who obstructed the eviction,” he said.

An NOC issued by the Revenue department is mandatory for all construction activities in Chinnakkanal and Munnar panchayats.