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Retired colonel faces action for kissing cobra
The Haryana forest department has initiated action against retired Lt Col Paramjit Singh for manhandling and kissing an Indian cobra at the SEPTDA golf club in Chandimandir. A viral video shows Singh…
The Story in Brief
The Haryana forest department has initiated action against retired Lt Col Paramjit Singh for manhandling and kissing an Indian cobra at the SEPTDA golf club in Chandimandir. A viral video shows Singh pinning the cobra with a 5-iron, clasping its head, and kissing it. Wildlife officials say this violates Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Singh claimed he was chasing the snake away for safety, but the footage shows him blocking its escape. He later told this writer, 'I regret that action.'
The Western Command has issued an advisory asking golfers not to handle snakes. Herpetologist Rom Whitaker condemned the act as unnecessary harassment, while experts warn that such viral reels encourage illegal wildlife handling.
The Indian Opinion
The retired colonel's 'commando skills' narrative glorifies reckless behaviour. Kissing a stressed cobra is not bravery; it is illegal harassment under the Wildlife Act and endangers both the animal and the handler. Social media rewards such stunts, but the law must catch up. The key test: will the forest department's inquiry actually penalise him and deter copycats?
Source: hindustantimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
