p. 1 IN THE HIGH COURT OF ORISSA AT CUTTACK ABLAPL No.7945 of 2026 Matia Pradhan …. Petitioner Mr. S.K.Baral, Advocate -Versus- State of Odisha …. Opposite Party Mr. M.K.Mohanty, ASC CORAM: MR. JUSTICE R.K. PATTANAIK Order No. ORDER 21.07.2026 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 Khordha Forest Division O.R. No. U.D. Case No. 1B of 2026- 27 dated 20.4.2026, corresponding to 2(b) C.C. No. 02 of 2026 pending in the file of learned JMFC, Banpur on the grounds stated therein. 3. Perused the offence report as at Annexure-1. Recorded the submissions of learned counsel for the respective parties. Initially, a U.D. case was registered converted to O.R. No. 1B of 2026-27 dated 20.4.2026 and it reveals that meat of a wild animal was recovered after a raid conducted by the officials of the Forest Department. It is submitted that the petitioner is not involved but is apprehensive of arrest in view of the implication on the basis of confessional statement of the co-accused, namely, Basanta Dalai. It is informed to the Court that the p. 2 petitioner has no criminal antecedent of similar nature. Recorded the objection of the State. Considering the recovery and seizure of meat on a raid and such recovery not from the petitioner, who apprehends arrest in connection with the case being identified by the co-accused above named, this Court, though not in favour of considering his bail plea, is inclined to direct him to surrender before the learned court below for being released with suitable conditions imposed. 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 JMFC, Banpur in connection with Khordha Forest Division O.R. No. U.D. Case No. 1B of 2026-27 dated 20.4.2026, corresponding to 2(b) C.C. No. 02 of 2026 within a fortnight from today, he shall be released on bail upon furnishing a bail bond of Rs.20,000/- (rupees twenty thousand) with one solvent surety for the like amount. It is further directed that such release of the petitioner shall be subject to verification and absence of similar antecedent against him. 6. Issue urgent certified copy of this order as per rules. (R.K. Pattanaik) Judge kabita