In a first, forest dept raids snake stuntman's home

Mumbai: The forest department, in an unprecedented move, has raided the residence of Panvel resident Ajay Pawar, the snake rescuer who had been performing stunts with the wild animals. Pawar was also interrogated to acquire details about his current activities. He is being questioned after he had tried to kiss a cobra on October last year and was alleged for spreading rumours about being bitten by another snake.

Though he was later released, he has been issued a warning to not indulge in any unethical activity.

The state forest department had received complaints against Pawar who has several pictures posing with snakes. Earlier, Pawar and his group of friends trolled one of the NGO’s founders for posting a picture of him showing his snake bite. However, Pawar claimed that it was edited and alleged that it was an attempt to malign him.

People supporting Priyanka Kadam, the founder of a NGO in a reply posted various pictures which show Pawar posing with the snakes. Pawar and his supporters not only threatened Ms Kadam but also used abusive words and foul language.     

Manish Kumar, deputy chief conservation of forest (Alibaug) said, “We have been receiving several complaints against him and are investigating his involvement in the cases. We will take action after gathering important proofs. However, our Range Forest Officer (RFO) will be submitting a detailed report of their raid on Thursday.” According to sources, the forest officials are going to monitor his activities.

Pawar had last got bitten between his lips and nose on October 28 while doing stunts. He was allegedly bitten by a Cobra when he attempted to kiss it. Though Pawar’s picture showing snake bite on his wrist was posted on social networking site, the snake rescuers who are allegedly into performing stunts, claimed that the picture was edited and was a deliberate attempt to malign Pawar’ image.