Selfie with python lands youth in jail

Ghatkesar: On a tip-off about illegally confined wild animals, the officers and staff of anti-poaching squad, Hyderabad, proceeded to Venkatradri Township, Chowdarguda village of Ghatkesar Mandal in Medchal district, and found a python and a bronze back snake from a house.  The accused Sharan Moses was allegedly keeping the snakes for the last one month with an intention to sell them. 

His friend Praveen, also a resident of Venkatradri Township, took a selfie with the python around his neck and uploaded the picture on Facebook and Whatsapp to attract prospective buyers. The forest officials seized the snakes from the premises of the accused and booked a case under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Python is a Schedule – I species and possessing and illegal trade in it attracts imprisonment of 3 to 7 years and a minimum fine of Rs.10,000. The two accused persons have been sent to judicial custody before the Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Rangareddy.