MLA’s threat call to tahsildar goes viral

Munnar: A controversy erupted after a voice message allegedly featuring Devikulam MLA A Raja surfaced, in which he was heard threatening Devikulam special tahsildar.In the audio clip, the MLA allegedly warned that if officials did not ‘behave properly', their ‘hands and legs will be broken'. The threat was reportedly made over the phone last month to special tahsildar C V Gayathri. The issue was linked to action being taken against alleged encroachments and illegal constructions on govt and puramboke land in the constituency, particularly in the Munnar region. A special revenue team led by the tahsildar, along with the land protection squad, carried out demolition drives against unauthorised constructions. Officials said that despite issuing stop memos, construction activities allegedly continued during holidays, posing challenges to enforcement. Tahsildar reportedly adopted a strict stance, maintaining that approvals would be granted only for constructions with complete documentation and in full compliance with the law. In the audio, Raja was heard saying that if rules were followed so strictly, buildings would not come up in the area. He allegedly warned that staff involved in enforcement action would face consequences. He was also heard naming certain officials and asking them to ‘behave properly'. Sources said the dispute related to a site where construction was resumed despite a stop memo issued during the tenure of the previous tahsildar. The new tahsildar intervened to halt the work, which reportedly led to the confrontation. Though the phone conversation reportedly took place in early Jan and was shared in a WhatsApp group of revenue officials at the time, it came to light only now. In the audio, the MLA also alleged that several officials in the special tahsildar's office were accepting bribes and questioned whether they would be removed if their names were disclosed. The tahsildar was heard responding that she did not have the authority to dismiss officials but could submit a report to the district collector. However, despite raising allegations of corruption, Raja reportedly did not file a complaint with the vigilance department or police, nor publicly disclose specific names. Speaking on the issue, Gayathri said she clearly informed the MLA that only legally compliant constructions with proper documentation would be approved. She added that she would decide on further action after consulting the department. Meanwhile, Raja maintained that land issues in the region were being complicated by certain officials and alleged that some among them were corrupt, stating that his remarks were made in that context.