Ahmed Ali
Mumbai: A Thane-based businessman, who was shown as an absconding accused in connection with the raid carried out by the forest department in a flat in Dombivli, from where the agency recovered six ball pythons, a golden child reticulated python, three striped mud turtles, an Indian star turtle, a marmoset monkey, and an iguana, has been granted pre-arrest bail.
The Bombay High Court granted bail to Faizan Khan involving the alleged violations of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The court said that in the event of arrest, he shall be released on bail upon executing a personal bond of Rs 25,000 or a surety of like amount. The case revolves around the seizure of several exotic animals from a Dombivli residence earlier this month.
His counsel, Sujay Kantawala, argued that he was neither present at the spot nor part of the racket and, being just a witness to a leave-and-license agreement to his former wife’s flat, he cannot be an accused. The High Court granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 25,000. Additionally, Khan is required to cooperate with the investigation and abstain from any activities that might interfere with evidence or witnesses.
The raid was carried out by the assistant chief conservator of forest (wildlife) Thane, on Nov 10 at a flat in Savanna Building near Experia Mall, in which the exotic animals were found. The authorities registered an offence following the seizure, citing offences under Sections 9, 39, 48, and 48A read with Section 51 of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Kantawala argued that his client was falsely implicated, stating that Khan neither owned nor occupied the raided premises and was not present during the search. The counsel further contended that Khan’s only connection to the property was as a witness to a leave-and-licence agreement signed by his former wife, the licensee of the flat.
Opposing the bail plea, Additional Public Prosecutor Supriya Kak emphasised the gravity of the offence and alleged that Khan might tamper with evidence or influence witnesses if released on bail. However, the court, presided over by Justice R N Laddha, noted that the evidence presented did not prima facie link Khan to the crime. The court also observed that the seized animals were relocated as per legal requirements, mitigating concerns about further harm.