2 nabbed for trying to sell snakes through social media platforms in Telangana

The Telangana Forest Department has nabbed two people for allegedly trying to sell two snakes through social media platforms, officials said Monday.

According to an official release, the officers and staff of the Medchal District and Anti-Poaching Squad, Hyderabad, rescued one python and one bronze back snake from the poachers at Chowdarguda village in Medchal District.

Sharan Moses and his friend Vanorous Praveen were trying to sell the reptiles to prospective buyers and in order to attract customers, Praveen got himself photographed with the python around his neck and uploaded the picture on Facebook and WhatsApp, the statement said.

A case was registered under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in this connection, it added.

The python is a Schedule I species, and possessing and illegal trade attracts imprisonment of three to seven years and minimum fine of Rs 10,000, the release said.

The two accused have been produced before a local court which remanded them.