Inhumane! 15ft python dragged, bludgeoned to death by villagers in Odisha

In an inhuman act, a 15-foot-long python was reportedly beaten to death by villagers at Souri village under Kuliana forest range of Mayurbhanj district. The huge snake was crossing a road in the village when villagers spotted it and bludgeoned it to death with sticks and stones.

A video of the incident has gone viral, sparking outrage among nature lovers and animal conservationists. The viral video shows the youths climbing over the snake after killing it and dragging it on the road around the village.

The viral video has landed the villagers in trouble as it is illegal to kill snakes in India, and is a punishable offence, as they are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Illegal hunting, killing or possession of protected snakes are punishable offences and can lead to several years in prison. Unaware of the law, the villagers, mostly tribals, reportedly beat the snake to death. 

The forest department has taken the matter seriously and is on the hunt to nab people involved in the killing of the python. However, no official complaint was lodged in this connection.

No comments could be obtained from the villagers in this connection.