Keralam: 3 Arrested for Catching and Consuming Python in Thrissur’s Mannamangalam
Three men, Jinson Jose (36), Jishnu (30), and Vivek (30), were arrested by forest officials on Saturday for allegedly catching and consuming a python in Mannamangalam, Kerala. Officials said the reptile was spotted near their house in Cherukunnu on Friday night. The accused face legal proceedings under the Wildlife Protection Act for killing the protected species.
Three persons were arrested by forest officials for allegedly catching and consuming a python in Mannamangalam in Keralam's Thrissur, officials said on Saturday, September 26. The incident came to light after forest department personnel received actionable intelligence regarding the illegal capture and killing of the protected reptile in the Cherukunnu locality.
The arrested were identified as Jinson Jose (36), Jishnu (30) and Vivek (30), all residents of Cherukunnu near Mannamangalam, they said, according to a PTI report. Following their apprehension, forest authorities initiated formal legal proceedings under statutory wildlife conservation laws. Kerala TTE Arrested for Molesting Woman on Train, Held After Her Helpline Alert.
Python Captured Near Residence in Keralam
According to forest officials, the python was spotted near the accused's house on Friday night.
Instead of alerting the local forest range office or emergency snake rescuers to safely relocate the non-venomous reptile, the trio allegedly captured the snake, killed it, and consumed its meat. Forest officers subsequently conducted an on-site inspection, seized remnants of the cooked meat and reptile parts as evidence, and took the suspects into custody.
Legal Action Under Wildlife Protection Act
Indian Rock Pythons (Python molurus) are classified as protected species under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, granting them high legal protection on par with tigers and elephants. Hunting, killing, or consuming the meat of animals listed under this category is a non-bailable offence carrying strict penal consequences, including mandatory imprisonment and heavy fines.
Officials stated that the accused will be produced before the jurisdictional magistrate court after completing preliminary interrogation and documentation. The forest department has reminded the public that capturing or harming wild animals straying into human habitations is strictly prohibited, urging residents to report sightings directly to forest helpline numbers for humane rescue and release.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 26, 2026 11:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
