Kaleem Ahmed v. State Rep By

C.V.KARTHIKEYAN, J.

The petitioner/A2 seeks anticipatory bail in S.T.O.R.No.2 of 2023, registered under Sections 26, 35, 36, 41, 49 -A, 56, 56-B, 56-C and 56-D of Tamil Nadu Forest Act, 1882 and Sections 2, 3 (2), 7 and 9 of Tamil Nadu Timber Transit Rules 1968 and Sections 2, 3 and 4 of Tamil Nadu Timber Transportation Regulation Authorities 1982. 2.The learned counsel for the petitioner stated that A1 had been arrested and granted bail. It had also been stated that the respondent had seized 29 pieces of red sandal, worth nearly about Rs.20/- lakhs and 25 Sembulithan wood small pieces from the residence of A1/Krishnamurthy. It is therefore stated that the petitioner is innocent. 3.The learned Government Advocate (Crl.Side) raised strong objections and also find a counter, in which, it had been very specifically stated that the respondent had searched the residence of A1/Krishnamurthy and found 29 pieces of red sandalwood weighing 627 kgs worth about Rs.20/- Lakhs and 141 pieces of Red Cedar, 25 pieces of 1/3

gunny bags which contained Red Cedar. It had been stated that A1 had been taken into custodial integration on the order granted by the learned Judicial Magistrate, Ambattur and it had been stated that the said sandalwood belongs to the petitioner herein. A3 and A4 are working under the petitioner. It is also been stated that investigation will have to continue with respect to the other aspects as to from where they procured the red sandalwood.

4.Taking all this factors into consideration, I am not inclined to grant anticipatory bail to the petitioner. Accordingly, this Criminal Original Petition stands dismissed.

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C.V.KARTHIKEYAN , J.

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