MANIK DAS Vs. STATE OF ASSAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. P.K. Munir, learned counsel appearing for the appellant/accused as well as Mr. B. K. Mahajan, learned Special Public Prosecutor, Forest Department, Assam appearing for the State respondents.

(2.) This appeal is preferred against the judgment and order dated 27.06.2018, passed by the learned Addl. Sessions Judge, Golaghat in Sessions Case No.66/2015, whereby the appellant/accused has been convicted u/s.51 of the Wild Life (Protection) Act , 1972 read with (Assam Amendment) Act, 2009 and sentenced him to undergo rigorous imprisonment for 7 (seven) years and to pay a fine of Rs.10,000/-, in default simple imprisonment for three months.

(3.) The prosecution case in brief is that on 10.01.2005, one bullet ridden carcass of rhino without its horn was recovered on the northern side of Khainala of Chibe Chapori under 6 th addition of Kaziranga National Park (KNP). Accordingly, investigation into the said incident was carried out by both the Police as well as by the Forest Department. Regarding the incident, one ejahar was lodged at Ghahigaon Police Station under Sonitpur District, vide letter No.ER/40/2015/96--97, dated 11.01.2015.