BNSS, 2023 — Ss.480 & 483 — Bail — Red Sanders case — Petitioners/Accused Nos.1 & 2 arrested on 24-07-2025 with alleged seizure of 14 Red Sanders logs weighing 281 Kgs from Volkswagen Cross Polo car — Allegations include attempt to murder, criminal force to deter public servant, criminal conspiracy, abetment, trespass into reserve forest, cutting and theft of live Red Sanders trees — Petitioners in judicial custody for 47 days — No similar adverse antecedents — Material witnesses examined and prime portion of investigation completed — Petitioners permanent residents with fixed abode — Custodial interrogation not required — Bail granted with stringent conditions.

BNSS, 2023 — Ss.480 & 483 — Bail — Red Sanders case — Petitioners/Accused Nos.1 & 2 arrested on 24-07-2025 with alleged seizure of 14 Red Sanders logs weighing 281 Kgs from Volkswagen Cross Polo car — Allegations include attempt to murder, criminal force to deter public servant, criminal conspiracy, abetment, trespass into reserve forest, cutting and theft of live Red Sanders trees — Petitioners in judicial custody for 47 days — No similar adverse antecedents — Material witnesses examined and prime portion of investigation completed — Petitioners permanent residents with fixed abode — Custodial interrogation not required — Bail granted with stringent conditions.

BNS, 2023 — Ss.303(2), 109, 132, 49 r/w 3(5) — Nature of allegations — Acting as coolie for cutting and shifting red sanders logs; Accused No.2 sitting in car; Accused No.4 stated to be main smuggler — Petitioners arrested on the spot — No adverse antecedents — Consideration of role attributed and period of detention — Entitlement to bail.

AP Forest (Amendment) Act, 2016 (Act No.15 of 2016) — Ss.20(1)(C)(ii)(iii)(iv)(vi)(x), 20(d)(i)(a)(b)(ii)(a)(b); AP Sandalwood & Red Sanders Wood Transit Rules, 1969 — Offences relating to unauthorised cutting and transportation of Red Sanders — Recovery of 14 logs — Investigation substantially completed — Bail granted.

PDPP Act, 1984 — S.3 — Allegation of causing damage to public property — Consideration for bail.

Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 — S.51 — Alleged violation — Bail with conditions.

Held: Considering the nature and gravity of allegations, the role attributed, the period of detention already undergone, absence of similar adverse antecedents, completion of prime portion of investigation, and that all material witnesses examined are officials, petitioners/Accused Nos.1 & 2 are entitled to bail subject to stringent conditions.