Nagpur: Students and staff at a private engineering college on Katol Road got an unexpected wildlife encounter when a massive nine-foot-long Indian rock python was spotted slithering across the campus, triggering brief panic before being safely rescued in a swift and coordinated operation.
The reptile was seen crawling along a wall behind the canteen of JD Engineering College, startling those nearby. The sighting was first reported by a man identified as Praful, who immediately alerted the Help for Animal Welfare Association (HAWA), Nagpur, preventing the situation from escalating.
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07 Jan 2026
Responding without delay, trained snake rescuer Bunty Godbole, along with snake friends Harshal Thakre and Rohit Gudadhe, rushed to the spot. After assessing the surroundings and ensuring the safety of students and staff, the team carefully captured the python, all within 30 minutes.
The rescue concluded without any injury or damage, and the snake was later released into a secluded natural habitat far away from human habitation.
HAWA member Swapnil Bodhane said such sightings in the area are becoming increasingly common. “This is not an isolated incident. Over the years, nearly 20 to 25 Indian rock pythons have been rescued from this particular stretch,” he said.
According to Bodhane, the frequent appearances are linked to the dense scrub forests and green patches surrounding the campus, which provide a natural and ideal habitat for large reptiles.
The incident once again highlights Nagpur’s unique interface between expanding urban spaces and wildlife, and the crucial role played by trained rescue teams in ensuring peaceful coexistence.
