Belthangady: Viral video shows woman rescuing Python

Team Udayavani, Nov 6, 2024, 11:58 AM IST

A video of a woman fearlessly rescuing a Python has gone viral on social media platforms.

The woman in the video has been identified as Shobha, also known as Asha, from Kuppetti, and the incident took place in the Nekkilu Jarigedadi area of Uruvalu village, Belthangady taluk.

On the afternoon of November 3, a Python was spotted on the property of Babu Master in Nekkilu Jarigedadi. Local auto driver Basheer notified Shobha, who promptly arrived, captured the snake with skill, and released it into the Koyyur Forest in coordination with the forest department. The rescue video has since garnered widespread attention.

Who is Asha?

Shobha, also called Asha, hails from Mani and is married to M. Prashanth of Andinje, Venur. Her parents reside in Kuppetti, and she is a mother to two young children in grades five and three. Asha has been rescuing snakes for over 21 years and has saved more than 900 snakes to date. Her dedication to protecting snakes earned her a role as a coordinator of the Tannirupantha Disaster Management Unit under the Shri Dharmasthala Rural Development Project in Guruvayanakere, where she has worked for the past five years.

A lifelong passion for snakes

From a young age, Shobha was fascinated by snakes and would often handle small, harmless snakes. Her family, concerned for her safety, advised her against it. However, after her marriage in 2014, her husband Prashanth encouraged her passion, and she resumed rescuing snakes.

Prashanth, who works in the grass-cutting machinery industry, has been supportive of her unique dedication.

Shobha’s passion and skill eventually caught the attention of community leaders, and she was referred to the Tannirupantha Disaster Management Unit, where she later trained with the NDRF and received guidance from renowned snake rescuer Snake Joy. Although provided with protective equipment, Shobha is known for her preference to handle snakes barehanded.

“Snakes, like us, are living beings, and I am committed to their protection. So far, I’ve rescued 98 cobras, 32 king cobras, rat snakes, and more,” said Shobha.