GAYA, Bihar – In a shocking incident at Gaya Railway Station, Railway Protection Force (RPF) officers were stunned to discover a dead rare Red Sand Boa snake inside a passenger’s bag during a routine patrol. Two suspected smugglers were promptly arrested on the spot, averting what could have been a major wildlife trafficking operation.
The drama unfolded on Tuesday evening as RPF personnel conducted their regular checks on Platform 1B. Spotting two suspicious young men carrying a bag and attempting to flee upon seeing the officers, the team gave chase and apprehended them without delay. A search of their bag revealed the lifeless reptile, sending ripples of alarm across the busy platform.
RPF Inspector Banarasi Yadav confirmed the details on Wednesday, identifying the suspects as Upendra Kumar from Makhdumpur in Jehanabad district and Mohammad Sadulla from Amaraha village in Chakand, Gaya district. ‘The dead Red Sand Boa, a highly endangered non-venomous species also known as the two-headed snake, was recovered from their possession,’ he stated.
Forest officials, including a snake catcher and Quick Response Team (QRT), rushed to the scene after being alerted. They seized the snake, which reportedly fetches millions in the international black market due to its use in superstitious practices and black magic rituals. Investigations suggest the duo was en route to deliver the contraband elsewhere.
This rare serpent is protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, and a case has been registered against the accused. The bust highlights the growing menace of exotic wildlife smuggling at railway hubs, where lax security can sometimes allow traffickers to slip through. Authorities are now probing deeper into the smuggling network, urging heightened vigilance to protect India’s biodiversity.
As Gaya station returns to normalcy, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the shadowy underworld of animal trafficking thriving under the guise of everyday travel.