PIMPRI: Two full-grown pythons from the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC)-run Sant Bahinabai Chowdhari Snake Park in Sambhajinagar were stolen. The incident came to light on Monday morning. This is not the first such incident involving the facility. A year ago, four crocodile hatchlings were stolen from the park. Also, a number of snakes were found dead at the same time.
According to officials, the incident took place during the wee hours on Monday. The thieves broke open four locks and a cage. The area of the facility is 7.5 acres and there are three guards.
Currently, development work is on near the facility. Therefore, there are many spots, from where thieves can enter the snake park. Municipal Commissioner Shravan Hardikar, who visited the facility on Monday, ordered appointment of more security guards and installation of closed-circuit television cameras on the premises.
In November last year, 20 snakes were found dead at the facility. Similarly, four crocodile hatchlings were stolen, while four were found dead around the same period. Due to such incidents, doubts are being raised about the management of the facility.
Dipak Savant, in-charge of the facility, said, “The python has no value in the market. Someone is doing these things to malign the image of the snake park.”
