Sub Court initiates steps to reclaim land allegedly possessed by private estates in Wayanad- NSP NEWS

The Sub Court in Sulthan Bathery has initiated steps to reclaim land allegedly possessed by Harrison Malayalam Plantations in Nenmeni village and the Chembra Peak Estate in Muttill South village.

Wayanad District Collector D.R. Meghasree, on behalf of the State government, has filed cases in the Sub Court to reclaim 491.72 acres in Nenmeni village, allegedly possessed by Harrison Malayalam Plantation, as well as 392.89 acres in the Chembra Peak Estate in Muttill South village, Vythiri taluk.

The filing of the cases was prompted by the alleged failure to return government land after the expiration of lease agreements, as well as the illegal transfer of property. Notably, the land in Nenmeni village was reportedly under the possession of Richard Keen Walker and was sold to Rubber Plantation Trust Limited (UK). The property later reportedly came under the control of East India Tea Producer Company (UK) and was subsequently integrated into Malayalam Plantations (UK).

Furthermore, the land was reportedly merged with Malayalam Plantations India Limited, raising questions about the legality of the transactions and mergers. Around half of the land was allegedly sold to residents for money, leading to illegal transfers, including attempts to sell valuable timber. In response to the activities, the State government has approached the court.

Cases have been filed against Harrison Malayalam Limited (OS 153/2024) and Chembra Peak Estate (OS 157/2024) in the Sub Court. The government has engaged Additional Government Pleaders Advocate George Sebastian and Advocate Abhilash Joseph to handle these cases. The court has sent notices to the involved parties, Advocate George Sebastian told The Hindu.