Archive · 21 Jan 2026
Three Arrested for Attempting to Sell Protected Snake
In Virar East, three people were caught trying to sell a special kind of snake called a Mandul or Red Sand Boa.
The forest officers set a trap and caught them.
The snake and their car were taken away.
The people who were caught will be punished because it's against the law to sell protected animals.
Some people believe this snake can bring good luck or help find hidden treasures, which is why it's in high demand.
These snakes are also sent to other countries for medicine.
The forest department is warning that anyone who does this will be caught and punished.
Three individuals were arrested in Virar East for attempting to sell a protected Mandul snake.
The Forest Department acted on a tip-off and confiscated the snake and a four-wheeler vehicle.
A case has been registered under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The illegal trade is driven by superstitions and demand for traditional medicines in countries like China and Japan.
The Forest Department has warned of strict action against wildlife smugglers.
- Who
- Three suspects: Somnath Popat Adke, Chandrakant Gyanoba Nayargoje, Arun Mahadev Landge
- What
- Attempted illegal sale of a protected Mandul snake
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Virar East, Palghar
- Why
- Driven by superstitions and demand for traditional medicines
- Location
- Virar East, Palghar
- Arrested Individuals
- Somnath Popat Adke (49), Chandrakant Gyanoba Nayargoje (42), Arun Mahadev Landge (62)
- Snake Species
- Mandul (Red Sand Boa)
- Items Seized
- One Mandul snake, one four-wheeler vehicle
- Legal Action
- Case registered under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972