S.ABBOBACKAR SIDDIK Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition is filed under Sec. 438 of Cr.P.C., praying to enlarge the petitioners on bail in the event of their arrest in respect of Crime No.8/2021-2022 of RFO Kalladka Branch, Bantwal Forest Range, Managaluru Division, registered for the offences punishable under Ss. 24(d)(e), 83, 84, 85, 86 of Karnataka Forest Act, 1963 and Rule 165 of Karnataka Forest Rules, 1969.

(2.) Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioners and the learned High Court Government Pleader appearing for the respondent/State.

(3.) The factual matrix of the case is that on 24/6/2021, the Range Forest Officer of Kalladka, Bantwal registered a case against these two petitioners and also against accused Nos.1 and 4 for the offences punishable under Ss. 24(d)(e), 83, 84, 85, 86 of Karnataka Forest Act, 1963 and Rule 165 of Karnataka Forest Rules, 1969, stating that on the basis of the credible information received, a raid was conducted at Veerakamba Reserve Forest Block 1 of Bantwala Region, they heard the sound of cutting the trees and accordingly when they went to the spot, they found 3 persons indulged in illegally chiseling sandal wood and when they went near those persons for the purpose of apprehending them, those persons had tried to escape from the place and they were able to apprehend one of those persons and two persons escaped from the spot and those escaped persons are these petitioners and recoveries are made at the instance of accused No.1. Accused No.1 showed accused No.4 and recoveries made at the instance of accused No.4. In total 25 kgs., of sandal wood and chiseled pieces of sandal wood, were seized. The matter is under investigation.