JUDGMENT

S.K.SAHOO, J. - “The question is, are we happy to suppose that our grandchildren may never be able to see an elephant except in a picture book?” -David Attenborough

Elephants are considered to be nature’s unique masterpiece. People of our country worship the elephants as a form of Lord Ganesha. It is really bizarre that due to destruction of dense tropical forests which are the lungs of our planet and suitable habitat of these incredible animals, they are deprived of their foods and water resources. Even though the Elephant Census Report 2015 of Odisha released on 29.06.2015 indicates that population of elephants in Odisha increased from 1930 (recorded 2012 Census) to 1954 (recorded in 2015) but still large scale poaching of elephants in an organised manner mainly for ivory trade is causing an alarming situation. Such activity is no less than a violent and brutal crime.

2. The petitioner Afjal Baig in all these three bail applications i.e. BLAPL No.2002 of 2015, BLAPL No.2024 of 2015 and BLAPL No.3230 of 2015 has got a number of cases of elephants poaching in his credit. It appears on record that he is the real criminal mastermind behind all these crimes who utilises others f