Mutilated king cobra rescued from snake charmer in Mirsarai
Acting on a tip‑off, WSRTBD members carried out a planned operation at Talbaria Tripurapara in Mirsarai upazila in Chattogram on Tuesday by posing as potential buyers and rescued the snake
A mutilated and severely injured king cobra has been rescued from illegal captivity in Mirsarai, Chattogram, by members of the Wildlife and Snake Rescue Team in Bangladesh (WSRTBD). The snake was found in the possession of a man who had been using it for intimidation, extortion, and planned sale.
According to local sources, the individual had kept the highly venomous king cobra in illegal captivity for a long time. He reportedly used the snake to scare people and collect money, and later intended to sell it.
Acting on a tip‑off, WSRTBD members carried out a planned operation at Talbaria Tripurapara in Mirsarai upazila in Chattogram on Tuesday by posing as potential buyers and rescued the snake. The rescue was led by WSRTBD Joint General Secretary Naimul Islam Niloy, with critical assistance from the Wildlife Crime Control Unit (WCCU).
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Local supporter Abdur Rahman and trainee rescuer Kefayet Ullah also played key roles in the operation.
The rescued snake is currently under treatment and observation by the Forest Department's herpetologist, Sohel Rana Soikat, and WSRTBD's Naimul Islam Niloy.
The team said the snake was found in a mutilated condition — its fangs had been forcibly removed, and it was being used for roadside shows. "The snake was tortured and badly injured. We are doing everything possible to help it recover," said Niloy.
WSRTBD urged the public to report any incidents of illegal wildlife capture or trade. "Wild animals are not tools for entertainment or profit. Torturing or selling them is a crime. If you witness such activities, please inform the Forest Department or WSRTBD immediately," the organisation said in a statement.
Another mutilated king cobra was rescued from Manikchhari upazila of Khagrachhari on August 26. Under the special care of rescuers and volunteers, the snake showed signs of recovery as both its fangs regrew. The king cobra was set to be released into the wild on 7 October. Unfortunately, it died on 6 October.
