A bizarre and shocking incident has come to light from Kerala's Thrissur district, where forest authorities have arrested three individuals for allegedly hunting, slaughtering, and consuming a python. Officials presented the suspects before a court following their arrest, and they were subsequently remanded to judicial custody. This unlawful act has once again highlighted violations concerning wildlife protection laws in the region.
Arrests Made in Mannamangalam Area
According to official details shared by authorities, the incident took place in the Mannamangalam region. On Saturday, forest department personnel took action and apprehended three suspects in connection with catching and consuming a python. The arrested individuals have been identified as Jinson Jose (36), Jishnu (30), and Vivek (30). All three are residents of Cherukunnu near Mannamangalam. Forest department records indicate that the python was spotted near the homes of the accused on Friday night.
Confirmation of Hunting and Consuming Wildlife
During the investigation, officials uncovered disturbing details regarding the sequence of events. The trio allegedly captured the reptile, chopped its body into multiple pieces, cooked the meat at home, and ate it. Acting on a tip-off, a dedicated team led by Mannamangalam forest station deputy range forest officer M. Shajahan executed the arrests on Saturday. The suspects were promptly produced before a local court, which ordered them into judicial custody.
Similar Incident Previously Reported in Kannur District
Notably, this is not an isolated occurrence of wildlife poaching in the state. In a separate prior incident in northern Kerala's Kannur district, two individuals were taken into custody for hunting a python and cooking its meat in Panappuzha. The accused in that specific case were identified as Pramod and Bineesh, both local residents of Panappuzha.
Adult Reptile Caught From Rubber Plantation
Providing details on the Kannur episode, forest officials stated that the two men had hunted an adult python from a rubber plantation located close to their homes. They subsequently killed the reptile and prepared a curry out of its meat at Pramod's residence. Acting on confidential intelligence, Taliparamba range officer Suresh P and his team raided the premises and apprehended both culprits. Authorities seized remnants of the snake along with the cooked curry, registering a case under the relevant provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act. Both suspects were produced before a court and sent to judicial custody.
