{
  "id": 11711296,
  "title": "Forests Minister Shibu Baby John alleges irregularities, high-level corruption in Muttil tree-felling case",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/forests-minister-shibu-baby-john-alleges-irregularities-high-level",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-03T15:29:39.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Hindu",
    "slug": "the-hindu",
    "url": "https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/forests-minister-shibu-baby-john-alleges-irregularities-high-level-corruption-in-muttil-tree-felling-case/article71541205.ece"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "According to Forests Minister Shibu Baby John, the Muttil tree-felling case involves massive irregularities and high-level corruption. He stated that the incident extends beyond unauthorised tree felling and demands a thorough investigation to uncover the underlying conspiracy. Referring to a government order issued by A. Jayathilak, John emphasized that the directive led to widespread looting of timber. He noted that the order was eventually revoked but the cancellation was not officially published for 75 days, allowing a majority of the trees to be cut down and transported. The minister assured that the government is committed to conducting a comprehensive examination of the scam to identify those responsible for the operation.",
  "summary": "Forests Minister Shibu Baby John has alleged irregularities and high-level corruption in the Muttil tree-felling case. According to The Hindu, he stated that the incident goes beyond a simple case of unauthorised tree felling and requires a thorough probe into the underlying conspiracy.\n\nNo further details about the case or investigation were provided by Forests Minister Shibu Baby John in the reports.\n\nThe reports did not mention any developments or statements from other officials regarding the allegations made by Forests Minister Shibu Baby John.",
  "key_points": [
    "Forests Minister Shibu Baby John alleges irregularities and corruption in Muttil tree-felling case.",
    "Government order by A. Jayathilak led to widespread timber looting.",
    "Order cancellation delayed by 75 days, enabling extensive tree cutting."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}