Rat snake lands Sadguru in a spot

Rachana Ramesh| NT

Bengaluru:

A rat snake has brought famed spiritual personality Jaggi Vasudev in confrontation with animal rights activists. The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) on Saturday filed a complaint against Sadhguru(as he is popularly known) with the Deputy Conservator of Forests calling for action against alleged illegal transportation and confinement of a rat snake which was displayed during an event in Chikkaballapur on October 9.

The programme was also attended by Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai and other senior officials. A copy has also been submitted to the DC’s office. Prathivi Raj CN, board member of SPCA explained that the founder of Isha Foundation has violated the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, by displaying the snake at the event. Rat snakes are protected under Schedule 2 of the Act and offences under the act attract high penalties.

“The snake was displayed under blazing lights on the stage in front of a crowd by Sadhguru to promote his programme. The source of the snake is yet to be ascertained. It has not been handed over to the Forest Department till date,” Raj has said in his complaint