Chikkajala police have arrested four persons who were trying to smuggle a rare two-headed sand boa, which is said to be worth more than Rs 1 crore in the illegal wildlife trade market.
The police said that all four of them were middle men who would buy snakes from catchers and supply them to agents, who would in turn sell them for large sums of money to buyers.
The rescued snake was released into the Bannerghatta National Park, in the presence of forest department officials.
Two-headed sand boas have many superstitious beliefs attributed to them, which include bringing good luck, curing aids, among others.
According to the report by Bangalore Mirror, the police said that they got a tip-off around 4:40 PM on Sunday (Sep 25) that the gang was trying strike a deal for the rare snake in Army Layout near Venkateshwara College. Undercover officials met with the gang, posing as potential customers. The smugglers were ready to sell the animal for Rs. 1 lakh.
Once the undercover cops gave the signal, the police force moved in and arrested the accused. A case has been registered against the accused under the Wildlife Protection Act and IPC section 420.
“We managed to nab the gang at the first level of illegal transport. Two-headed snakes are sold for Rs 1 crore. Buyers believe these bring good luck, virility and protection from enemies. These snakes are also smuggled out to countries like Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and China. International markets fetch greater value for the smugglers than local ones,” said PS Harsha, deputy commissioner of police (north-east).
