Odisha man's daring act catches many eyes

Baripada: An Odisha youth, hailing from tribal-dominated Mayurbhanj district, is hogging limelight for his love for animals. Krushna Chandra Gochhayat claims that he has so rescued over 5,000 snakes, which shows his comfort in handling the reptile.

According to Krushna, who lives with his family in Uthani Nuagaon village, he developed a special love for the wild and its residents in his childhood. Now, a professional snake rescuer, he helps the state forest department in operations to save animals from the traps of poachers.

“Since my childhood, I developed love for wild animals. I was shocked to see wild animals falling in trenches, wells and other water bodies struggling for life. Besides, animals getting injured in poaching activities also hurt me. I vowed to save them at any cost,” said Krushna.

According to the local residents, Krushna easily charms the snakes, kisses them and later releases them in dense Similipal forests. Other animals like elephants and tigers do not harm him, they said.

The daring act of Krushna kissing a snake brings back images of “Snake King of Malaysia” Amjad Khan. A native of Taiping City, the Malaysian is known for his ability to charm snakes with a hypnotic technique.

Besides snake, Krushna has rescued several deers, tigers, elephants, birds, leopards, bear and monkeys.

“Krushna rescues injured and trapped animal, arrange for their medical care, sometimes from his own pocket, and then releases them into the forest,” says local forest officials.

He strongly feels the need to protect animals and forest for existence.

Though his family fears for his life, Krushna wants to continue rescuing animals as it gives him immense satisfaction.

“I feel proud of my husband’s exploits and adventures. However, sometimes I get frightened for his peculiar passion and wonder what would happen to us if he is attacked by the wild animals,” Krushn’a wife said.

The couple has two little children below 10 years of age.