Forest officials in northern Kerala arrested two men on Thursday for allegedly killing and cooking a python, a reptile protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, which grants it the highest legal safeguards in India.

Where did the Incident Take Place?

The incident took place in Panapuzha, a locality in Kannur district, where a team from the forest department raided a residence in Ward 3 of the Panapuzha grama panchayat following a confidential tip-off. The operation was led by special duty officer C. Pradeepan, with support from beat forest officers and local personnel.

During the raid, officials seized remains of the python as well as a prepared dish believed to be made from its meat. The two men taken into custody have been identified as U. Pramod (40) and C. Bineesh (37), both residents of the same area. Authorities said they tracked and slaughtered the snake on Wednesday evening in a rubber plantation near their neighborhood.

According to forest department sources, the python was killed and later cooked at the home of one of the suspects. A curry was reportedly made using its meat. “A case has been filed under the Wildlife Protection Act,” an official confirmed, adding that the species involved is protected at the same level as tigers and elephants under Indian law.

Tip-Off Leads to Arrest in Kerala Python Killing Case

The arrests were made based on a tip-off received by Taliparamba Range Officer P. V. Sanoop Krishnan. Acting swiftly, his team detained the suspects and recovered evidence from the scene.

Later that day, the two men were presented in court and have been placed under judicial custody while further inquiries continue. Investigators are now looking into whether additional people were involved or if this was an isolated case of wildlife violation.

Killing or possessing any animal listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act is a serious offense that can result in significant jail time and fines.