Muslim League collected crores; paid more than double for land without construction permit

Kalpetta: The land bought by the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) at Thrikkaipatta in Meppadi panchayat to build houses for the victims of the Mundakkai–Chooralmala disaster has sparked controversy. Following a report by the Thrikkaipatta village officer stating that most of the land is plantation land, the former landowners have been served notices by the Vythiri Taluk Land Board. They must now appear before the Land Board hearings starting on the 16th with supporting documents.

According to the village officer's report, of the 11.5 acres in Thrikkaipatta Vellithode, all but one acre is land that does not have construction permission. The report further states that plantation land was sold for housing purposes, and that coffee plants and trees protected as part of the plantation were illegally cut down.

There is internal criticism within the League over the purchase of land without construction clearance at a high price. In areas where plantation land is typically available at 30,000 rupees per cent, the League allegedly paid up to 1.25 lakh rupees per cent. Over 12 crore rupees is believed to have been spent solely on the land. In total, 40 crore rupees was collected for the rehabilitation project.

The land was purchased from five individuals, including a League office-bearer who was also a member of the housing construction committee. The League had promised to build homes for 105 disaster victims. Of these, 87 people are on the township beneficiary list, according to League district leaders who held a press conference in Kalpetta. They stated that they will present documents during the hearing and claimed that the land is not plantation land and that they possess valid records.

Those who declined homes in the township will be provided with government rent assistance until August. If the League’s rehabilitation is delayed, these individuals may have to seek temporary shelter elsewhere.