Devikulam MLA accused of threatening official

Devikulam MLA A. Raja has allegedly warned revenue officials of dire consequences if they persist with their action against illegal constructions in Munnar.

In an audio recording of a phone call, circulating on social media, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) MLA is purportedly heard threatening special tahsildar C.V. Gayathri over the department’s anti-encroachment drive in the hill station.

In the recording, Mr. Raja is threatening to manhandle officials if they do not “behave properly.” He also alleges that officials are accepting bribes to permit constructions. He does not give a proper reply when the Tahsildar asks him to identify the said officials so that action could be taken against them.

The MLA is heard accusing officials of intimidating landowners with threats of demolition and claiming that no constructions will be possible in Munnar if the law is enforced strictly. In response, the official maintains that the department is acting solely against illegal structures in the hill station. She says that her team is only implementing government regulations.

Mr. Raja also alleges selective rule enforcement, claiming that officials have ignored certain illegal projects. The official denies the allegations and asks him to cite specific cases.

According to department sources, the special tahsildar’s team recently identified three illegal constructions at Ekka Nagar, near the Government Guest House, and in the town area. “All three constructions are encroachments on government land. Notices have been issued to remove the structures. This enforcement action appears to have triggered the MLA’s outburst,” an official said.

Mr. Raja was unavailable for comment.