The Lok Ayukta admitted a petition from Ravi Ulliyeri, a wildlife photographer in the district, against the Revenue Department’s attempt to acquire a portion of the city’s protected wetland from private holders and hand it over to the Coast Guard for a project.
The petition was admitted after a preliminary perusal of the affidavit and other related documents produced by the complainant.
Observation“We are convinced that a case is made out for investigation. We make it clear that any action for acquisition of the properties that are subject matter of the complaint, including payment of compensation, will be subject to the final outcome of the complaint and further orders to be passed by the Lok Ayukta,” said Lok Ayukta Justice Pius Kuriakose and Upa Lok Ayukta Justice K.P. Balachandran in the order.
The Lok Ayukta will also issue notices to the five respondents — Niveditha P. Haran, Additional Chief Secretary; C.A. Latha, District Collector; A.P. Aboobacker Musaliyar, Secretary, Sunni Cultural Centre, Kozhikode; G.K.P. Sreekumar, Commanding Officer, Beypore Coast Guard station; and P.B. Salim, former District Collector of Kozhikode.
