A Udupi court has taken serious note of a landowner’s illegal use of explosives to remove stones on his land in Brahmavar taluk of Udupi district and has denied him anticipatory bail.
Udupi Principal District and Sessions Judge K.S. Gangannavar on February 5 rejected the anticipatory bail application of 65-year-old Richard Rodrigues.
On information by a police constable accusing Mr. Rodrigues of illegally using explosives to remove rocks by blasting on his vacant land in Neelavara village, police sub-inspector Ashok Malabagi raided the spot on December 13, 2024. He found broken rocks in the field. The police officer also found that holes had been drilled on the land to plant explosives for blasting the rocks. Mr. Rodrigues had no permission to either use explosives to blast rocks or to stock explosive substances. The officer seized explosives worth ₹2.84 lakh.
Rejecting the application, the judge noted: “Possession of explosive substances is one aspect and use of such substances which will cause damage is another. Considering the allegations and dangerous nature of the articles used in such activities, at this stage, it is found not proper to release the petitioner (Mr. Rodrigues) on bail.”
The judge further observed that often, required caution is overlooked until severe damage from explosives attracts attention of public.
Published - February 11, 2025 07:39 pm IST
