Malkangiri: Man Arrested After Python Carcass Found During Wildlife Crime Probe

Malkangiri: Forest officials have arrested a man and recovered the carcass of an Indian Rock Python in Malkangiri district after a video allegedly showing the dead snake being carried near Satiguda Dam surfaced on social media.

According to forest officials, the footage came to their notice and prompted an investigation by the Malkangiri Range field staff. Officials examined the video along with other information to identify the person allegedly involved in the wildlife offence.

Acting on the findings of the inquiry, forest personnel arrested a suspect near Satiguda village under Malkangiri Range on August 19. The accused has been booked under relevant provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, as amended in 2022.

During a search, the officials reportedly recovered around 50 grams of dried meat and the carcass of an Indian Rock Python (Python molurus) from the village.

Following the completion of the investigation, the accused was produced before a court for further legal proceedings, Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF), Malkangiri, said.