Man held on charge of smuggling python in Odisha
By Sukanta Mohanty
Banki, Nov. 6: Odisha forest officials on Friday rescued a python and arrested a person on charges of smuggling the reptile from Sahadapada village under Banki block in Odisha’s Cuttack district.
According to sources, some locals of the area spotted the man hiding the 8-ft python in a sack and sought an explanation from him on the source of the reptile’s habitat.
Later suspecting him of trafficking the python, locals informed the matter to the local snake helpline. Lalit Mohan Panda the member of the snake helpline who rescued the python from the man said the snake was extremely weak as it was not fed for days and it needed immediate medication.
“It seems the reptile has not been fed for a long time and hence it has been very weak,” said Panda.
The python was later handed over to the forest staff. The police also reached the village and arrested the man after interrogation.
“I am a snake charmer and I roam around villages and collect money by showcasing the reptile. I had no intention to smuggle or trade the snake,” the man said.
