Jatra troupe owner & actor face legal action for displaying ball python
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The incident has sparked widespread outrage on social media after photos and videos of the actor holding the python went viral.
The forest range officer of Bairi, Aditya Pradhan, confirmed that a raid was conducted at the office of Tulasi Jatra troupe owner, Anant Narayan Dhal, in Bikramtiran village. However, the team was unable to rescue the python as no one was present at the location. A case has been filed against both Dhal and actor Sai Satyajit Panda under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, among other regulations.
On Wednesday, Panda appeared at the range office with the ball python and presented documents proving his legal possession of the reptile. "While owning a ball python as a pet is not illegal, it requires proper licensing. Furthermore, using such animals for entertainment purposes mandates permission from the Animal Welfare Board," Pradhan added.
The ball python, classified as an exotic species under Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act, was allegedly used in violation of the Performing Animals (Registration) Rules, 2001. These rules, part of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, are designed to ensure the humane treatment of animals in entertainment. They include stipulations on registration, transportation, housing and measures to prevent unnecessary suffering.
Suvendu Mallick, a herpetologist and general secretary of the state's snake helpline, highlighted the importance of adhering to these regulations to protect animal welfare.
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