Petitioner is the first accused in O.R.No.14 of 2014 of the Ottapalam Forest Range Office for the offences punishable under the Forest Act for alleged trespass into the forest, cutting and removal of sandalwood trees, is in custody from 06.05.2014 and seeks bail,
2. Learned Public Prosecutor has opposed the application.
It is submitted that 13gms of sandalwood was seized from the house of the petitioner on 06.05.2014. It is also submitted that against the brother of the petitioner, several cases of the similar nature are registered. Other accused in the case are to be arrested. Investigation revealed that sandalwood was meant to be sold to accused Nos.4 and 5.
3. Learned counsel submits that the allegations against the petitioner are not true.
4. In the nature of the investigation required to be done, request of the petitioner for bail cannot be allowed at this stage.
The application is dismissed without prejudice to the petitioner moving again after the investigation has progressed.
Sbna Sd/- THOMAS P.JOSEPH, JUDGE.
True Copy P A to Judge