<p>A heart-wrenching video of an Indian Rock Python being burnt alive has gone viral on social media platforms even as the Maharashtra Forest Department (MFD) registered an offence.</p>.<p>The incident was reported from Nate Padwanewadi in Rajapur in Ratnagiri district of coastal Konkan belt.</p>.<p>A family of three, agitated by the fact that the Indian Rock Python, had attacked a hen in their farm, took the extreme step on Sunday.</p>.<p>They also made a video that went viral on social media.</p>.<p>Eminent herpetologist Dr Varad Giri, a senior scientist with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), expressed shock over the incident.</p>.<p>“An Indian Rock Python was killed and burned alive by a villager in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra. Images and a video of this heinous act were uploaded on social media. Prateik More, who is actively doing nature conservation in that area, brought this to our notice,” said Dr Giri.</p>.<p>The MFD has taken immediate action and the culprit has been arrested.</p>.<p>“Strong action should be taken against this person as the species is protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act. Such cases need to be taken seriously, otherwise people will kill wildlife like this. Alert citizens and active forest department officials can bring a strong positive change in curtailing crime against the wildlife,” he said.</p>.<p>“But why such a cruel attitude towards snakes? Do we humans really deserve this wonderful planet?” he lamented.</p>
<p>A heart-wrenching video of an Indian Rock Python being burnt alive has gone viral on social media platforms even as the Maharashtra Forest Department (MFD) registered an offence.</p>.<p>The incident was reported from Nate Padwanewadi in Rajapur in Ratnagiri district of coastal Konkan belt.</p>.<p>A family of three, agitated by the fact that the Indian Rock Python, had attacked a hen in their farm, took the extreme step on Sunday.</p>.<p>They also made a video that went viral on social media.</p>.<p>Eminent herpetologist Dr Varad Giri, a senior scientist with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), expressed shock over the incident.</p>.<p>“An Indian Rock Python was killed and burned alive by a villager in Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra. Images and a video of this heinous act were uploaded on social media. Prateik More, who is actively doing nature conservation in that area, brought this to our notice,” said Dr Giri.</p>.<p>The MFD has taken immediate action and the culprit has been arrested.</p>.<p>“Strong action should be taken against this person as the species is protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act. Such cases need to be taken seriously, otherwise people will kill wildlife like this. Alert citizens and active forest department officials can bring a strong positive change in curtailing crime against the wildlife,” he said.</p>.<p>“But why such a cruel attitude towards snakes? Do we humans really deserve this wonderful planet?” he lamented.</p>
