A cobra sighting at the Abohar Municipal Corporation office on Tuesday triggered panic among employees and visitors, forcing a temporary evacuation of the building. The snake, approximately five feet long, was spotted slithering near the accounts section in the morning, causing chaos as people scrambled to safety.
Incident Details
The cobra was first noticed by a clerk who screamed, alerting others in the office. Within minutes, the entire staff rushed out, leaving behind paperwork and personal belongings. Some employees reported seeing the snake enter a narrow gap behind a filing cabinet.
Municipal officials immediately contacted local wildlife rescue teams. A team from the Abohar Forest Department arrived within 30 minutes, equipped with snake-catching tools. After a careful search, they located the cobra and safely captured it using a specialized hook and bag.
Rescue Operation
The rescue operation lasted about an hour. Forest officials identified the snake as a spectacled cobra, a species commonly found in the region but rarely entering urban areas. The snake was later released into a nearby wildlife sanctuary.
No injuries were reported during the incident. The municipal office resumed normal functioning after the snake was removed. Officials have advised staff to remain cautious and report any further sightings.
This incident highlights the increasing human-wildlife conflict in urban areas due to habitat encroachment. Residents are urged to keep surroundings clean and seal potential entry points for reptiles.
