VEERAKYATHARAYA SON OF KALAPPA Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) CRIMINAL Appeal No.143/2009 is filed by accused No.1 and Criminal Appeal No.20/2009 is filed by accused No.2 against the judgment of conviction for offences punishable under Sections 86 and 87 of the Karnataka Forest Act.

(2.) I have heard learned counsel for accused and learned Government Advocate for State.

(3.) IT is the case of prosecution that on 29.12.2002, PW7 G.V.Puttanna working as a Forester in Koratagere Range had received credible information about theft of sandalwood trees in Doddamanakere forest area. PW1 and other forest officials reached that place and found that accused 1 and 2 had cut a sandalwood tree and they were in possession of sandalwood billets. As per the case of prosecution, accused had committed afore stated offences at 4.00 p.m. on 29.12.2002. The accused were arrested and sandalwood billets were seized and they were marked.