A few farmers in Kanakapura, Hiriyur, Chitradugra and Doddaballapur have started rearing snakes, especially Red Sand Boa also known as ‘Double Engine.’ It is a constrictor snake and non venomous. They constantly feed them with rats so that the reptile puts on weight. The more the snake weighs, the price is high in the market. A well-built Red Sand Boa fetches several lakhs of rupees.
The snake’s tail looks like the head from a distance and the sellers tell people that it had two heads. A popular belief attached to the Red Sand Boa is that possessing it will make a person rich. It is also being smuggled out of the State because of its medicinal value and also being used as an aphrodisiac. Of late, there have been many cases, but hardly a few are registered. Recently, three cases were registered in Vellore and a case in Doddaballapur. On Wednesday, five persons were arrested by the RMC Yard police.
Along with three buyers and two sellers.
Devaraj and Govindraj from Karadipalya in Doddaballapur. Rajesh, Sheriff and John who were negotiating the deal were also nabbed by the police.
The police said, there is a trend, especially among the real estate developers that by performing pooja to the ‘Double Engine’ snake, wealth will increase. So, many are hunting for these snakes. It’s just not the double engine, even barn owl and turtles are also in great demand, said the officer.