North Goa Forest Division Files Preliminary Offense Report Over Capture & Manhandling of Python, Following PETA India Complaint

Acting on a video depicting two men capturing and manhandling an Indian python (Python molurus) – a species protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act (WPA), 1972 – in the Caranzalem area of Panjim, the North Goa Forest Division of the Goa Forest Department registered a preliminary offence report (POR) following a complaint from PETA India.

The POR was registered under sections 9 and 51 of the WPA, 1972. The offence is non-bailable and punishable with a jail term of at least three years, which may extend to seven years, and a fine of at least ₹25,000. The search for the alleged perpetrators and the python is underway.