In an extraordinary bust at one of Bihar’s busiest rail junctions, Gaya station authorities arrested two wildlife traffickers carrying a dead Red Sand Boa snake worth millions. The rare find during a platform sweep has ignited concerns over escalating exotic animal trade networks.
Tuesday’s patrol on Platform 1B by RPF turned dramatic when two bag-toting men tried to evade checks. Officers’ pursuit ended in capture, and the revelation inside their luggage – a deceased specimen of the elusive Red Sand Boa – left everyone stunned.
RPF Inspector Banarasi Yadav detailed: ‘Upendra Kumar from Jehanabad’s Makhdumpur and Mohammad Sadulla from Gaya’s Amaraha village were nabbed. The snake, a protected non-venomous species dubbed two-headed in myths, was bound for black market buyers.’ Forest department’s snake handler and QRT secured the evidence swiftly.
This serpent’s allure stems from deep-rooted superstitions, where it’s believed to hold magical powers, inflating its value to crores internationally. Despite being dead, its skin and parts fetch fortunes in illicit trades.
Authorities have invoked the Wildlife Protection Act against the pair, with probes delving into their supply chain. The episode reveals how railways serve as conduits for smugglers, blending into commuter crowds. Calls grow for AI surveillance and trained canine units at stations to sniff out such dangers.
Gaya’s success story boosts morale among enforcers, yet it signals broader challenges in combating poaching syndicates. Protecting such rarities demands relentless effort, ensuring future generations inherit a wilder, richer natural heritage.