Outrage as CPI(M) MLA in Kerala threatens forest officials, frees detainee

In a dramatic incident that has triggered widespread outrage, CPI(M) legislator K.U. Jenish Kumar on Wednesday stormed into the Forest Department office in Konni, his Kerala constituency, and forcibly released a man detained by forest officials in connection with an ongoing investigation into the electrocution of a wild elephant, according to local media reports.

According to sources, forest personnel had taken the man into custody for his alleged involvement in setting up an illegal electric fence on a pineapple farm, which recently led to the electrocution of a wild elephant. The farm is located near forested areas in Konni, a region frequently affected by elephant intrusions.

Eyewitnesses and video footage show Kumar arriving at the forest office accompanied by police personnel. In a shocking display of aggression, the two-time MLA can be seen verbally abusing forest officials and threatening them with violence. He is also heard warning of a ‘Naxal’ attack and threatening to burn down the forest station if such detentions continued.

Forest officials say they were left stunned by the MLA’s conduct and deeply concerned by the police's inaction during the incident. Despite witnessing the threats and the unlawful release of the detainee, police officers reportedly stood by without intervening.

Kumar’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from environmentalists, forest staff unions, and civil society groups, who are now demanding accountability and legal action. The incident has reignited debates over political interference in law enforcement and the vulnerability of frontline forest personnel in the face of such pressure.

An official response from the state government is awaited.