Malappuram (Kerala) | Kerala Revenue Minister K P Anil Kumar on Sunday said the government would not tolerate land encroachments under any circumstances and that strict action would be taken against those responsible, irrespective of their identity.

Speaking to reporters here, the minister said the Revenue Department had acted promptly after noticing an alleged encroachment of around 10 acres of government land at Varattumedu in Vagamon.

He said the department had identified the encroachment even before it came to the attention of the media.

According to the minister, Revenue Department officials inspected the site, demolished a temporary structure that had been erected on the land and installed a board declaring it as "Revenue Land" on July 22.

"Land encroachment is not something the government will tolerate under any circumstances. No matter who is involved, strict action will be taken. The government and the Revenue Department view this with utmost seriousness," Kumar said.

He said the government would continue to adopt a liberal approach in matters relating to the issuance of land titles (patta) and other benefits legitimately due to people.

"However, when it comes to encroachments, there will be no compromise. We will take a firm stand," the minister said.

He said the process of reclaiming the encroached land was underway and that further statutory notices would be issued as part of the proceedings before completing the eviction process.