Raichur — Karnataka forest department officials recently conducted a significant raid on a residential property within Raichur city limits, leading to the seizure of 110 specimens of Indian wildlife held in illegal captivity under distressing conditions.
District Forest Officer (DFO) Praveen S. reported that the confiscated animals included a variety of snake species such as spectacled cobras, Russell’s vipers, saw-scaled vipers, common kraits, rat snakes, trinket snakes, vine snakes, and Indian rock pythons. Additionally, the raid uncovered Indian monitor lizards, Indian black turtles, and flap shell turtles.
The operation also revealed several rare species among the confiscated animals, including the Nagarjuna banded racer, yellow-colored wolf snake, olive keelback, red sand boa, and common sand boa. The authorities discovered remains of 13 snakes in various stages of decomposition, a deceased chameleon, and a baya weaver bird nest on the property.
The accused, Afsar Hussain—a well-known snake catcher in Raichur and surrounding areas—admitted that the shed skins of snakes were in high demand among local medicine practitioners for use in traditional treatments. The authorities have issued a notice to Hussain, requiring him to explain his involvement in the illegal wildlife trade and the poor conditions in which the animals were kept. “Appropriate legal action will be initiated based on his response,” DFO Praveen stated.