67. Procedure when offender is not known or cannot be found.
- When the offender is not known or cannot be found, the magistrate, may, if he finds, [that an offence has been committed, subject to section 71G] [Substituted by Act 1 of 1981 w.e.f. 23.2.1981.], order the property in respect of which the offence has been committed to be forfeited to the State Government together with tools, boats, vehicles or cattle and other articles used in committing the offence and taken charge of by the Forest Officer, or to be made over to the person whom the Magistrate deems to be entitled to the same:Provided that no such order shall be made until the expiration of thirty days from the date of seizing the property, or without hearing the person, if any, claiming any right thereto, and, the evidence, if any, which he may produce in support of his claim.
