Mumbai: Bombay high court granted anticipatory bail to Thane-based businessman Faizal Khan who was on the run after the forest department seized endangered reptiles from a flat in Dombivli on Nov 10.
His counsel, Sujay Kantawala, argued that Khan was neither present at the spot nor part of the racket, and he cannot be made an accused for just being a witness to a leave-and-licence agreement for his former wife’s flat.
HC granted him bail on a personal bond of Rs 25,000. Additionally, Khan is required to cooperate with the probe and abstain from activities that might interfere with the evidence or witnesses. Kantawala argued his client was falsely implicated, stating Khan neither owned nor occupied the raided premises and was not present during the search.
Additional public prosecutor Supriya Kak said Khan might tamper with evidence or influence witnesses if released on bail. Justice R N Laddha said the evidence presented did not prima facie link Khan to the crime. HC observed the seized animals were relocated. Forest officials found six ball pythons and a golden child reticulated python, among other animals. — S Ahmed Ali