12-Foot King Cobra Rescued From Professor’s Car at Assam University Campus, Safely Released in Forest

Panic briefly gripped the Assam University campus in Silchar after a massive 12-foot-long King Cobra was discovered taking shelter inside a professor’s car. The reptile was later safely rescued by Assam University researcher Ankur Nandi following a tense operation that lasted nearly 20 minutes.

According to available information, the rescue operation was carried out after concerned individuals alerted Nandi about the presence of the snake inside the vehicle parked on the campus premises. As curious onlookers gathered around the scene, the rescue became increasingly difficult due to the stress caused to the reptile.

Speaking to Barak Bulletin, Nandi said, “Yes, it took a lot of time to calm down the snake. There were too many people around which was stressing out the snake a lot. King Cobras get scared very easily.”

Despite the challenging situation, the snake was eventually removed safely without causing harm to anyone. Following the rescue, the King Cobra was released into a protected forest area away from human habitation.

The King Cobra, scientifically known as Ophiophagus hannah, is the world’s longest venomous snake and is known for its distinctive hood and intimidating appearance. Despite its fearsome reputation, wildlife experts often point out that the species generally avoids confrontation with humans unless provoked or cornered.

In India, the King Cobra is a protected species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Hunting, capturing, injuring, or killing the snake is a punishable offence that can attract imprisonment and financial penalties. Wildlife officials repeatedly urge the public not to attack snakes during such encounters and instead contact trained rescuers or forest department personnel.

The incident once again highlighted the rich biodiversity around the Assam University campus and the growing need for awareness regarding human-wildlife coexistence in ecologically sensitive regions like Barak Valley.