Hyderabad: Forest officials in Telangana on Monday arrested two persons and seized two snakes from their possession, officials said.
A Python and one Bronze Back snake were seized from the house of one Sharan Moses in Medchal district. He was keeping these snakes for last one month for selling illegally to interested persons.
Police also arrested his friend V. Praveen, who got himself photographed with the Python around his neck and uploaded the same in Facebook and Whatsapp to attract prospective buyers.
The Forest officials seized the two snakes and booked a case under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Python is a Schedule-I species and possessing and illegal trade attracts imprisonment of 3 to 7 years and minimum fine of Rs 10,000, according to an official statement.
The accused were produced before a court that sent them to judicial custody.
[source_without_link]IANS[/source_without_link]