Nagpur: A blatant breach of wildlife protection laws has come to light after a six-foot-long Indian Rock Python—classified under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972—was paraded during a Ganpati Visarjan procession in Jaripatka on Sunday, September 7. The reptile’s mouth had been forcefully shut with ordinary cello tape, sparking outrage over animal cruelty and possible illegal wildlife trade.
The matter surfaced when a video of the incident went viral on social media on Monday. The footage showed men in ritualistic attire handling the python during an event reportedly organised by Kings Events. The clip was shared with the Help for Animal Welfare Association, Nagpur, by an animal enthusiast, following which a complaint was filed with the forest department.
Association president Ashish Khade, along with members Vishwajeet Uke, Swapnil Bodhane, Sachin Kakde, and Sachin Zode, investigated the video and confirmed that the programme took place at the residence of a local mobile shop owner in Jaripatka. The group alleged that the python was used to draw crowds and collect money, terming it an act of “blatant animal cruelty.”
Responding to the controversy, Kings Events owner Karan Palani denied direct involvement. “We managed four Ganpati Visarjan events that day. I was not present at the one where the python appeared. The client had specifically asked for performers of ‘aghori’ rituals, so we outsourced it to a vendor. While I admit handling snakes may be illegal, I am unaware of how the vendor procured the reptile,” he stated.
👉 Click here to read the latest Gujarat news on TheLiveAhmedabad.com