Watch | Mumbai: Indian rat snake rescued from washing machine in Andheri West

The snake was found coiled inside the washing machine. PIC/ Prabhu Swami

An Indian rat snake was safely rescued after it was discovered inside a washing machine at a ground-floor residence in Azad Nagar, Andheri West, by naturalist and wildlife photographer Prabhu Swami.

Swami responded to an alert received at around 8 pm on January 3, 2026, after residents reported the presence of a snake inside the appliance.

Upon inspection, the snake was found coiled inside the washing machine, triggering panic among the occupants. Swami carefully rescued the reptile without causing harm to either the animal or the residents. He confirmed that the snake was an Indian rat snake, a non-venomous species commonly found in urban areas.

"The operation was completed smoothly, and no injuries were reported. The snake was later released into a safe and suitable habitat, in line with standard wildlife rescue protocols," Swami said.