THE TELEGRAPH (Calcutta, India) 27 June 05 Missing hens? Great snakes!
Hazaribagh: Hens had been missing from Sitagarha village for a long time and the residents were clueless of the reason behind it. On Sunday, they laid a trap to nab the culprit. They were surprised and astounded to see the thief — a 10-feet python.
The villagers caught it and kept in a basket.
When divisional forest officer (east) N.K Singh came to know about the incident, he immediately headed towards the village with a team of officials.
But the angry villagers, who had gathered at Lalpur Chowk, were reluctant to let the snake free in spite of Singh persisting them to let it go. Singh also spoke extensively on the need to preserve the environment and the wild creatures. He added that the reptilian thief was strong and powerful but otherwise poison-free and harmless.
While Singh was taking a closer at the reptile, it bit him on his hand. Singh told the villagers that the snake was non-poisonous and that its killing is an offence.
After the villagers relented, the python was brought to town. Officials led by Singh decided to leave it at Chitramo jungle of Vishnugarh. The forest is spread in vast area and away from human population and residential areas.
Missing hens? Great snakes!