India: Two rare red sand boa snakes, listed under Schedule IV of the Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972, were seized in last 24 hours in the city.

The non-poisonous snake has a very blunt tail with rounded tip. A rounded head similar to the shape of it's tail gives rise of the mis-belief that the species has two heads. It is the most traded reptile species in India, which includes common Indian sand boa, red sand boa and brown sand boa.

One snake was seized from the general compartment of Dakshin Express by alert Railway Police Force (RPF) men from a snake charmer on Wednesday evening. The other snake was rescued from a car parked at Swaminarayan apartment complex in Wathoda on Thursday.

In the first case the accused, identified as Sawaanath Joginaath (24), a resident of Allahabad, was handed over by RPF to the Seminary Hills range forest officials.

The accused, who belonged to the snake charmer community from Uttar Pradesh, eked out a living by doing snake shows during Shravan month. He was produced in the court of judicial magistrate first class (JMFC) SS Patil on Thursday. The JMFC imposed a fine of Rs 500 after the accused confessed to his guilt.

In the other incident which took place on Thursday, a sand boa was rescued from a car owned by Ramesh Daptari at Wathoda apartment. The snake was noticed on the rear seat of the car by some boys playing there. The guard alerted local sarpa mitra Vishal Dambhare, who rescued the snake.

"From where the sand boa came in the car is a big mystery. The woman driver who parked the car gave elusive replies and was reluctant to hand over the keys. It was only after public pressure, the snake could be rescued and handed over to Seminary Hills forest range officials, who have failed to investigate and take any action in the matter," Dambhare said.

Forest officials said many celebrities, astrologers and businessmen even keep the snake at home for good luck and protection. Both the snakes have been kept at the rescue centre and will be released on Friday.

(Source: Times of India)