On 25 November 2024, the Indigenous Rights Advocacy Centre (IRAC) filed a complaint with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) regarding the illegal demolition of huts belonging to three tribal families by forest department officials at the Kollimoola tribal settlement in Begur in Wayanad district, Kerala. This incident took place within the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) on 24 November 2024.
The families of Lakshmi, Anilkumar, and Meenakshi, who have lived on the forest land for over 16 years, were directly affected by this unlawful eviction. The forest officials justified the demolition as part of an operation to evacuate settlements situated in the elephant corridors adjacent to the sanctuary. However, the eviction was carried out without prior notice, and without adhering to the established legal processes under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, which grants tribal communities the right to reside on forest land.
The three families, including a newborn and schoolchildren, were forced to spend the night in the jungle after their huts were destroyed. This action is inhuman and constitutes a gross violation of human rights. Further, the wrongful dispossession of tribal people from their land, or interference with their rights under the Forest Rights Act, constitutes an offence under Section 3(1)(g) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
In light of these serious violations, IRAC has urged the NHRC to intervene urgently and ensure justice for the affected tribal families, who have faced unjust and inhumane treatment at the hands of the forest department. The measures demanded include:
- Directing the State Government of Kerala to conduct a proper investigation into the illegal eviction of the three tribal families from their homes within the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary and submit a report within two weeks.
- Directing the State Government of Kerala to register an FIR against the responsible forest officials/staff under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and prosecute them if found guilty.
- Directing the State Government of Kerala to provide immediate alternative shelter and basic facilities to the affected families, and ensure the reconstruction of their homes at the same location where they were originally situated, at the State’s expense.
- Directing the State Government of Kerala to provide a compensation of Rs 10 Lakh each to the affected families, in addition to the cost of house construction.
- Taking any other measures deemed necessary to protect the rights of the tribal families and ensure such incidents do not recur in the future.