Locals in Moulvibazar kill 12-foot python as it swallows goat, conservationists decry brutality
The snake was feeding on a goat when locals spotted it and killed it, according to a local administration official
A 12-foot-long python was beaten to death by locals in Koroichhara village of Barlekha Upazila in Moulvibazar on 31 July after it reportedly ate multiple domestic goats.
The incident came to light after photos and videos of the python being killed spread on Facebook, drawing sharp criticism from local environmental activists.
In the video footage, a crowd of villagers can be seen surrounding the dead python and a goat carcass lying beside it. Several individuals were holding sticks and sharp weapons.
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Acting Chairman of South Shahbazpur Union Abdul Mannan said, "We have heard that the python had eaten several goats in Koroichhara village. At the time of the incident, it was feeding on a goat when locals spotted it and killed it."
According to locals, over the past few days, five to six goats had gone missing from several households in the village. Initially, residents suspected theft.
However, on 31 July, villagers found the massive python attempting to swallow a goat. News of the discovery spread quickly, prompting a group of villagers to surround the snake and kill it using sticks and traditional sharp weapons.
Local environmentalist Saeeb Ahmad Yasser condemned the act, saying, "Wild animals are part of our ecosystem. They are not our enemies. Killing a python over a goat is not only inhumane but also a punishable offence under the law."
He also urged authorities to carry out regular awareness campaigns in remote areas to educate people about wildlife and conservation, adding, "Without raising awareness, such tragic incidents will continue."
The assistant conservator of forests (ACF) for the Barlekha Range, Md Rezaul Mridha, said, "The matter has been reported to the Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Department. They will investigate the incident and take necessary legal action."
Divisional Forest Officer Dr Md Jahangir Alam also confirmed receiving information about the incident and said legal steps would be taken following an investigation.
