Snakes illegally displayed on Jatra stage for entertainment in Odisha

Berhampur: In an indiscriminate violation of Wildlife Protection Act, snakes were seen being used for entertainment by a Jatra troupe at Sarua Sahi in Berhampur of Ganjam district.

Footage of the show has emerged which reveals that a member of the Jatra party was entertaining the public by displaying snakes which were stored in plastic bottles.

Wildlife warden of Khurda district, Subhendu Mallik has brought the matter to the notice of the Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Ashish Kumar Behera and urged him to prevent such cruelty towards the reptile.

Mallik has also demanded stern action against the members and owners of the Jatra party.

The Berhampur DFO has meanwhile said that an investigation is on into the incident.

"We came to know that one Janmajaya Hota was behind the illegal display of the snakes. Our investigation is on; we will nab him soon," informed Behera.