Two Python Rescues in Three Days: Assam Villagers Call for Action After Reptiles Spotted Near Schools and Homes

Panic swept through the Gutibari area of Borkhola after a massive python was spotted on a small tree close to several homes. The reptile, which measured several feet in length, was eventually rescued safely by wildlife conservationist and snake rescuer Trikal Chakraborty and his team.

The drama began when local resident Ishwar Choudhury was returning home and noticed the huge snake coiled on a low-hanging branch. The startling sight so close to his house quickly sent waves of fear through the neighbourhood.

Chakraborty, who received an urgent call from locals, arrived at the scene without delay. Working carefully with residents and forest rangers, he managed to secure the snake unharmed. Once the operation was successfully completed, Ishwar Choudhury and other villagers breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Forest department officials said the python would undergo a routine health check-up before being released into a remote, deep forest area far from human habitation.

This is the second major python rescue carried out by Trikal Chakraborty in just a matter of days. Only last Saturday (June 6), he had pulled off an equally challenging operation in Silchar this time near Shishu Bitan School, adjacent to Silchar Sangeet Vidyalaya.

In that earlier incident, Chakraborty had rescued a nine-foot-long Burmese python weighing around 12 kilograms. The snake had been found resting on a mango tree whose branches stretched over the school premises.

During that rescue, Chakraborty had identified the species as a Burmese python and reminded everyone that it is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, making its killing a punishable offence. While he assured the public that there was no reason for extreme panic as the snakes are non-venomous he warned that their powerful teeth and constricting ability could cause serious injury. He strongly advised against anyone attempting to catch such snakes on their own.

Following both rescues, residents have renewed calls to local authorities including the Silchar Municipal Corporation to clear overgrown vegetation, remove garbage dumping sites, and repair open drains. Many believe such neglected spots are attracting wildlife into populated areas, putting both humans and animals at risk.