Banki: One person was detained at Sahadapada village in Banki area of Odisha’s Cuttack district by the forest department for smuggling a python.
As per reports, a person was found carrying a 8-feet-long python in a rugged bag. He was first mistaken as a snake helpline personnel by the villagers but when the regional snake helpline personnel, being tipped off, arrived at the spot it was discovered that he was a snake smuggler.
The Banki forest ranger on being informed about the incident arrived at the spot and detainted the accused who has been identified as a resident of Jajpur district’s Danagadi block.
The snake was also rescued from his possession.
A smuggling racket consisting of 7 members are suspected to be actively trafficking large pythons from Banki area, said a snake helpline member.
Meanwhile, the accused has been reportedly handed over to the local police, said sources adding that he would be forwarded to the court later today.
Ms Kalinga