KOCHI: The Sawmill Owners and Plywood Manufacturers Association (SOPMA) in Perumbavoor has alleged the fake bill mafia and some timber merchants who are expelled from the association, are behind the vicious campaign against them.
In a press statement released on Wednesday, the association alleged they are filing fake cases against the association leadership, including its president, in connivance with some police officers, for not supporting their dubious business activities.
The Central Excise recently arrested a person, who is part of the fake bill mafia, for GST evasion worth Rs 150 crore. Six timber merchants and the fake bill mafia, with the support of a quotation team and fielding the association’s vice-president in the front, have been waging a campaign against the association which enjoys the support of 625 members. They have been receiving the support of plywood manufactures based outside the state in this regard. The association has further alleged these traders used to create problems in the timber market in Perumbavoor by using quotation gangs.
Many complaints in this regard have been filed at the Perumbavoor police station. The market was shifted to Pezhakkappilly, Pulluvazhi, Odakkali, and Mudikkal when the weighbridge had to be closed down for maintenance.
Accompanied by a quotation gang, they created havoc at Pezhakkappilly and tried to harm the association president, the statement noted. The police had to resort to lathi charge for disbursing them. The president was shifted from there with police protection under the Muvattupuzha CI.
Now, they have lodged a fake case against the president by forcing the arrested quotation gang members to make a false statement. Demanding an impartial inquiry and highlighting the issues, SOPMA has submitted complaints to the Chief Minister and DGP.