A 5-feet-long python was found inside an air conditioned compartment of Puri-Guwahati Express today creating panic among the passengers.

The snake, which was hanging from a hook near the roof of the compartment, was caught at Balasore station by Railway Protection Force, who were informed about it by the passengers.

“When the train arrived at Balasore station at about 7 pm today passengers complained to the RPF personnel patrolling the platform and we immediately informed the guard of the train and managed to catch the snake,” said officer-in-charge of RPF at Balasore Amulya Biswal.

The snake was found near the toilet and it was suspected that it had escaped while some person was trying to smuggle it, he said.

“The Guwahati bound express had to be detained for about half an hour at the platform here to catch the 5 feet-long python,” he added.

The local forest officials have been asked to take possession of the snake.