Police arrest snake after death of Indian man

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Python snakes in the python temple

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uploaded by Erik Kristensen

Kendrapara, July. 8 (PTI): Police in
Orissa's Kendrapara District encountered an unusual problem when
residents of a village insisted that a case be registered against a
snake.

The unconventional public demand came
after the reptile caused the death of a 52-year-old man in Barklikhola
village early morning on Friday.

Nishikanta Giri died minutes after being bitten by the snake.

After catching the snake and putting it
in a cage, the agitated villagers brought it to Ramnagar police outpost
and insisted that a case be registered against the reptile.

Perplexed by the demand, the police
tried to convince the villagers that action could not be initiated
against a snake under the Indian Penal Code. But the crowd refused to
accept the police argument.

Finally, police took the snake into "custody" to ensure that the villagers dispersed.

"We are planning to hand over the reptile to authorities at the Bhitarkanika National Park," a police official said.