Basti (UP): Frustrated over alleged delay in
allotment of land and demands for bribe, a snake charmer let
loose over a dozen snakes inside a revenue department office
here, triggering panic among staff.
The incident occurred yesterday when Hakkul, who alleged
that revenue department staff were demanding bribe for
allotment of land for snake conservation, dumped nearly 20
snakes inside the office of revenue inspector in Haraiyan,
officials said.
Chaos prevailed in the crowded office as the snakes
slithered on the furniture and the floor, they said, adding
forest department personnel were called to catch them.
No one was injured in the incident.
Hakkul later said that he used to catch snakes to save
them. He said that for conservation work, he wrote a letter
to the President to allot additional land on which the
government last year directed the local administration to
complete formalities.
Hakkul, however, alleged that revenue department
officials were demanding bribe and the matter was still
pending.
Sub-divisional magistrate Ranvijay Singh said that the
land would be allotted to Hakkul soon.
As of now, authorities are not contemplating action
against him, officials said.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, November 30, 2011, 21:26