Kerala MLA A Raja Faces Controversy Over Alleged Threatening Audio Message
A major controversy has erupted in Kerala after a voice message, allegedly featuring Devikulam MLA A Raja, surfaced where he is heard threatening a special tahsildar. The audio clip, which has caused widespread concern, reportedly captures the MLA warning that if officials did not 'behave properly', their 'hands and legs will be broken'. This threat was allegedly made over the phone last month to special tahsildar C V Gayathri.
Background of the Dispute
The issue is linked to ongoing action against alleged encroachments and illegal constructions on government and puramboke land in the constituency, particularly in the scenic Munnar region. A special revenue team, led by the tahsildar and supported by the land protection squad, has been conducting demolition drives to remove unauthorized structures. Officials stated that despite issuing stop memos, construction activities allegedly continued during holidays, posing significant challenges to enforcement efforts.
Tahsildar C V Gayathri reportedly adopted a strict stance, maintaining that approvals would be granted only for constructions with complete documentation and full compliance with the law. In the audio, Raja is heard arguing 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 severe consequences.
Details from the Audio Clip
In the recording, Raja is also heard naming certain officials and demanding they 'behave properly'. Sources indicate the dispute relates to a specific site where construction resumed despite a stop memo issued during the tenure of the previous tahsildar. The new tahsildar's intervention to halt the work reportedly led to this confrontation.
Though the phone conversation allegedly took place in early January and was shared in a WhatsApp group of revenue officials at the time, it only came to public light recently. In the audio, the MLA further 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.
Responses from Officials and MLA
Tahsildar Gayathri 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 clarified that she informed the MLA clearly that only legally compliant constructions with proper documentation would be approved. She added that she would decide on further action after consulting with her department.
Meanwhile, MLA A 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. This incident highlights the tensions between political representatives and administrative officials in enforcing land laws in Kerala.
