Palakkad: The Forest Department on Monday registered a case against Babu and friends for unauthorised trekking in the Kurumbachi Hills of Malampuzha area here.
Young trekker Babu was recently rescued from a cleft in the hills after being stranded there for nearly 48 hours.
The case will be registered as per Section 27 of the Kerala Forest Act, 1961 (Penalties for trespass or damage in Reserved Forests and acts prohibited in such forests) which can invite up to six months jail term or Rs 25,000 fine.
Walayar Range Officer Ashiq Ali arrived at Babu's residence to take his statement before registering the case. The case was taken against the three friends who accompanied Babu after recording his statement.
Amid reports of more people attempting to climb the Kurumbachi Hills, the State government on Monday warned of strict action against anyone who decides to camp or trek there without permission of the forest authorities.
Kerala Forests Minister A K Saseendran and Revenue Minister K Rajan said leniency shown to Babu, the young trekker, who was rescued from the hills, and the tribal for entering the forest area without permission would not be shown to the others.
Both Ministers said strict action would be taken against anyone who treks or camps without permission.
The District Forest Officer (DFO) of Palakkad told reporters that a 10-15 member team, including watchers, conducted search operations for any campers or trekkers in the hills on Monday and would camp there at night.
The official said the team would conduct search operations on Tuesday morning also and then return.
The young trekker was rescued from a cleft in the hills on February 9 by the Madras Regimental Centre (MRC) after he was trapped for 48 hours without food and water.
