SALIM Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner herein is the 6th accused in Crime No.903/2015 of Chittur Police station for offences punishable under sections 379,411 and 413 read with section 34 IPC and sections 47B and 52 of the Kerala Forest (Amendment Act ) 2010.

(2.) According to the prosecution, on 23/12/2015 at about 2.30. p.m., it was found that, from a Government property, wherein the police quarters were situated, a tree resembling akil tree has been cut and removed. Crime was registered and investigation is progressing. In the meanwhile, it was understood that the tree that was cut and removed was a sandalwood tree. On the basis of secret information received, a vehicle bearing number KL-45 E 146, which was found parked in front of the petitioner's house was seized on 1-2- 016. It was stated to contain a secret chamber for transporting timber.

(3.) In the course of investigation, first accused was arrested. From him, it was understood that, accused 1 to 4 had cut and removed tree and transported it on 22/12/2015. It was reportedly sold to one Shaji who was arrayed as the 5 th accused. The first accused, his father and his brother-in-law were involved in similar crime earlier. 5th accused was arrested on 21/4/2017, while he was undergoing custody in another case. Petitioner herein is stated to be implicated in the above crime on the basis of the statement given by two persons that the petitioner herein was understood to be involved in the dealing of sandalwood illegally. Consequently, petitioner was arrayed as 6 th accused and he is sought to be arrested. Apprehending arrest, he seeks bail.