MR. SYED ZULFI KHAN Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This petition is filed by the petitioner/accused under Section 438 of Cr.P.C. seeking anticipatory bail, to direct the respondent-police to release the petitioner on bail in the event of his arrest for the offences punishable under Sections 353, 332, 307, 504, 506 read with Section 149 of IPC registered in respondent police station Crime No.127/2017.

(2.) The case of the prosecution is, on 9.8.2017 petitioner along with 6-7 daily wage agricultural labourers went to the forest area and was executing planting of arecanut trees along with strengthening of stone fencing, at that time, Range Forest Officer Mr.Rajesh came along with Deputy Range Forest Officer Srideva in a forest jeep driven by its driver by name Danny to the spot. The said Range Forest Officer has stated that when he visited the spot at 3 p.m. he noticed eight persons clearing the forest containing valuable trees and making stone fencing. All these persons were taken to the Range Forest Officer for the purpose of security. They visited the spot again and at that time, they got information that the petitioner herein was taking 8 persons in his car. At that time, the Range Forest Officer made an attempt to stop the vehicle by sitting in his jeep. However, petitioner made an attempt to drive the vehicle on them. They followed the petitioner up to his residence and advised him to send those eight persons with them for which, petitioner flatly denied and abused them and made a gesture of attempting to assault them and further threatened them with dire consequences. On the basis of said complaint, case was registered for the above said offences.

(3.) Heard the arguments of the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner/accused and also the learned High Court Government Pleader appearing for the respondent-State.