IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No.1938 of 2026 Bairagi Sahoo @ Bairagi Charan Sahu …. Petitioners Mr. P. Panigrahi, Advocate -Versus- State of Odisha …. Opposite Party Ms. B.K. Sahu, AGA CORAM: MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK Order No. ORDER 08.04.2026 01. 1. Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and State. 2. Instant petition has been filed under Section 482 BNSS by the petitioner seeking pre-arrest bail in connection with Chhendipada Range OR Case No.19 of 2025-26 corresponding to 2(b) CC No.03 of 2026 pending in the file of learned S.D.J.M., Chhendipada on the grounds stated. 3. Perused the offence report as at Annexure-1 series and it reveals recovery and seizure of timbers from the possession of the petitioner. But it is claimed that the petitioner does not have any other similar antecedent. The plea of having purchased the timbers by the petitioner for personal use is advanced. Admittedly, the seizure of timbers shown against the petitioner revealed from the offence report dated 21st January, 2026. Recorded the response of the State. Considering the claim that the petitioner is having no other antecedent of similar nature, hence, a first-time offender, this Court under the impression that substantial part of investigation must have been over by now, though not in favour of considering his plea for pre-arrest bail, is inclined to direct him to surrender before the learned court below for being released with suitable conditions subject to verification of antecedent. 4. Accordingly, it is ordered. 5. In the result, the ABLAPL is disposed of with the direction as aforesaid. It is further directed that in the event, the petitioner surrenders before the court of learned S.D.J.M., Chhendipada in connection with Chhendipada Range OR Case No.19 of 2025-26 corresponding to 2(b) CC No.03 of 2026 within a fortnight from today, he shall be released on bail upon furnishing a bail bond of Rs.40,000/-(rupees forty thousand) with one solvent surety for the like amount with such other conditions imposed. The above order, as is directed, shall not be given effect to, if the petitioner is found to have similar antecedent. 6. Issue urgent certified copy of this order as per rules. (R.K. Pattanaik) Judge TUDU Designation: Sr. Stenographer