Workers of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M)) on Tuesday allegedly threatened a tax department official after an official team tried to close a resort built without the mandatory No Objection Certificate (NOC). The incident took place at Suryanelli near Munnar.
The Kerala High Court recently issued an interim order ordering a halt to operations at the resort owned by resident Suryanelli S. Manoj. In compliance with the court’s order, land records (LR) tahsildar Sidhik Kutty, Chinnakkanal panchayat secretary V. Santhosh Kumar and Santhanpara police station personnel arrived at the Udumbanchola site to enforce the closure.
However, the team was reportedly defended by CPI(M) workers led by NP district secretariat member Sunil Kumar. A video of the incident reportedly shows Mr. Sunil Kumar threatening the officials as they tried to carry out the eviction.
Written commitment
After confrontation and continued intimidation, officials refrained from closing and instead obtained a written commitment from the resort owner that he would not operate the facility.
Mr. Sidhik Kutty said that he would submit a detailed report of the incident to Idukki District Collector Sheeba George. “We will lodge a police complaint seeking action against those who obstructed the eviction,” he said.
NOC issued by the revenue department is mandatory for all construction activities in Chinnakkanal and Munnar panchayats.
Published – 17 Feb 2026 20:41 IST