The magistrate said since the two accused are foreign nationals the trial would be completed within five days of its commencement on August 25.
Pert Savcha (51) and Emil Kuchera (52) were arrested on June 22 after state forest officials found over 200 rare species of beetles, butterflies, moths from them which the scientist duo had allegedly collected them from Singalila National Park, about 90 km from Darjeeling. They were given bail a month later on July 25 but were not allowed to leave Darjeeling. Their passports were also seized.
On Tuesday, the CJM directed the forest department to return money, which was seized from the scientists when they were arrested. The magistrate also asked the forest department to produce the passports of the scientist duo before the court.
Giving his reaction over the latest order from the CJM, Kucera told The Indian Express over phone that it has brought some relief, as the trial would take place in a speedy manner.
“The forest department will return the money soon. So we could pass our days comfortably,” said Kucera. According to him, the forest department officials had seized around Rs 10,000, USD 300, 300 euros and some Czech currency.
The forest department, meanwhile, filed the chargesheet against them alleging that the scientists had violated some provisions, including Section 51 of the Wild Life Protection Act.
Advocate Taurang Pandit, counsel of the two scientists, “The section provides for imprisonment of up to three to seven years in jail.”