Naga Panchami: 2 Snake Charmers Held, 2 Cobras Rescued in Karimnagar
Goutham said the snakes used in the ritual were Indian cobras, which are protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Karimnagar: Following a complaint by the Stray Animal Foundation, officials of the forest department arrested two persons, including a woman, for illegal use of Indian cobras to collect money during Naga Panchami celebrations in Karimnagar on Tuesday. The officials rescued two cobras and shifted them to a rescue centre in Hyderabad.
Cruelty prevention manager of the foundation A. Goutham said that during their inspection, their team found the two snake charmers outside the Pochamma temple and Gidde Permanudla temple in the Kothirampur area. They observed worshippers pouring milk on the snakes, a practice on the occasion of Naga Panchami festival, while the snake charmers collected money in return from them.
Goutham said the snakes used in the ritual were Indian cobras, which are protected under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The members of the foundation immediately alerted forest officials and lodged a complaint requesting the rescue of the reptiles.
Goutham urged the people to support efforts to raise awareness against cruelty and illegal activities involving protected wildlife.
Forest range officer Shoukat Hussain said that following the complaint, the officials swiftly responded and arrested two persons, including a woman who captured the snakes. A case was registered against them and the snakes were seized and sent to the rescue centre in Hyderabad, he added.
