According to locals, the python is believed to have entered the house of a villager, Dharma Bhurkud, late on Saturday night. In the darkness, it reportedly preyed on several chickens kept inside the house
Swift action by local snake rescuers ensured the reptile was safely captured and handed over to the forest department. Pic/By Special Arrangement
Panic gripped residents of Manipur Lakhanpada in Ganjad village, Dahanu taluka in Maharashtra's Palghar, on Sunday afternoon, November 2, after a massive python — measuring nearly 10 feet in length and weighing around 30 to 35 kilograms — was found in the area.
Swift action by local snake rescuers ensured the reptile was safely captured and handed over to the forest department.
According to locals, the python is believed to have entered the house of a villager, Dharma Bhurkud, late on Saturday night. In the darkness, it reportedly preyed on several chickens kept inside the house. The next morning, when the family discovered the missing poultry and heard unusual movements from a corner of the house, they immediately raised the alarm.
Sensing danger, the family moved to safety and informed local snake rescuer Jani Vartha.
Acting promptly, Vartha, along with gram panchayat member Arvind Lakhan and villager Anil Vayeda, reached the spot and began a search operation. The python was soon found resting sluggishly after its meal. Exercising caution, the rescuers managed to capture the reptile without causing any injury.
Forest guards S. Koli and Santosh Bhuyal arrived at the location and took custody of the snake. Officials said the python would be released back into its natural habitat after due process.
According to experts, the Indian rock python (Python molurus), the species commonly found in Dahanu’s forest belt, is non-venomous but among the largest snakes found in India. Adults can reach lengths of up to 20 feet and weigh more than 70 kilograms. They are powerful constrictors that kill prey by coiling around it and suffocating it before swallowing it whole.
Speaking to mid-day, rescuer Jani Vartha said this was not an isolated incident. “So far, I’ve rescued around 10 to 12 pythons from the Ganjad region. They can easily kill and swallow small animals such as goats, poultry, or dogs. While they rarely attack humans, they can pose a danger if cornered or provoked. Since the area is close to forest and farmland, such encounters are quite natural. People should stay calm and contact snake rescuers or the forest department immediately if they spot one,” he advised.
Forest officials have also urged villagers to remain calm and avoid trying to handle such snakes themselves.
The forest department advises residents to keep their surroundings clean, cover poultry sheds securely at night, and avoid unnecessary movement towards forested areas after dark.
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