Rajkot: The Forest Department today seized 52 snakes from the Khetlaapa Temple near Greenland Chowk in Rajkot and arrested the temple’s Mahant, Manubhai Dudhrejia, under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Officials said the Mahant used the snakes to attract and impress devotees and promoted the temple on social media by posting videos of the snakes, calling it a temple of the serpent god.

Talking to the media, DCF Yuvrajsinh Jhala of the Rajkot District Forest Department said, “We received information that more than 50 common sand boa snakes, also known as Russell sand boa snakes, were kept at Khetlaapa Temple. On reaching the spot, we found 52 snakes. These snakes are protected under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. A case has been registered, legal action taken against the Mahant, and his statement recorded. He has been released on bail.”

Preliminary investigations revealed no evidence of smuggling or cheating. However, further inquiries are ongoing, and the public has been advised not to keep wildlife in homes or temples.

The Mahant remains released on bail but may be called again for questioning if needed, while the snakes will be safely released into a forest area. DeshGujarat