K.ABDUL HAMEED Vs. STATE BY RFO SAKLESHPURA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is a petition filed by the petitioner arraigned as accused No.1 in FOC No.20/2020-21 for the offences punishable under Sections 62, 2(18), 71(A), 78, 84, 85, 86 of Karnataka Forest Act, 1963. The petitioner/accused No.1 is in judicial custody since from 07.08.2020 and therefore has sought for the relief of regular bail by urging various grounds.

(2.) Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner appearing through video conference and the learned HCGP appearing for the Respondent/State who is physically present before the Court.

(3.) It is transpired from the material available on record that Range Forest Officer, Sakaleshpura has registered FIR in FOC No.20/2020-21 against the petitioner/accused for the aforesaid offences. It is the case of the prosecution that the petitioner was carrying four logs of sandalwood weighing 35 kilograms in black Maruthi Suzuki 800 Car bearing Reg.No.KA-04-MA-5714 along with accused No.2. Accused No.1 was apprehended by the police and also recovered the sandalwood logs along with blade, sickle and cutter said to have been used by the accused. The accused is in judicial custody and the case is under investigation by the Investigating Officer in order to lay the charge-sheet against the accused and so also to obtain certain material documents regarding the sandalwood logs said to have been seized by the Investigating Agency and so also it requires for a report from the concerned authority to confirm whether it is sandalwood subjected to carrying by the persons arraigned as accused.