Himachal father-daughter duo rescue python from SP’s house, get honour and training promise
The father started catching snakes when he was eight, and the daughter, who is a BA second-year student, followed in her father's footsteps when she was 15—against his wishes.
3 min read
Jatinder Kumar, alias Ballu, rescuing a snake at Una SP's house.
(Videograb)A python came calling at the official residence of Amit Yadav, Superintendent of Police of Himachal Pradesh’s Una district, at Jhalera recently, as if to check on the law and order status in the district. The python came, saw, but was soon rescued by a father-daughter duo from Rampur village of the district, who were honoured by Assembly Speaker Kuldeep Singh Pathania on August 15.
“My house is in the forest area. I live alone there as my family is in Panchkula (Haryana). The python didn’t enter any room; it remained outside and didn’t harm anyone. My staff informed me about it,” said SP Yadav.
#Himachal father-daughter duo rescue python from SP’s house, get honour and training promise
Read Rajesh Chander Sharma’s report here:https://t.co/dYUNqb6i5w pic.twitter.com/XLshiSwqQT
“When we went to rescue the reptile, it was lying beneath a bench outside the gate of the SP’s official residence. The SP’s staff told me the python first took a round inside and then came out later,” said Jatinder Kumar, alias Ballu, 43, a snake-catcher who was accompanied by his daughter Damini, alias Manasi, 19.
The father, who has studied up to Class 10, started catching snakes when he was eight, and the daughter, who is a BA second-year student, followed in her father’s footsteps when she was 15—against his wishes.
The father-daughter duo have saved many lives.
“The two are the ones people turn to when faced with snakes. They are the true saviours. They are doing a wonderful job in our district,” said Jatin Lal, Deputy Commissioner, Una.
SP Yadav was very happy to see the duo climb the stage together to receive honour this Independence Day, according to Kumar. “SP sahib was there in uniform on the stage. It felt so nice,” he said.
“In the past, we were honoured separately by the district administration on two different occasions. But this time, we were honoured together. It was a matter of pride for me,” said Damini.
Kuldeep Singh Pathania, who gave away certificates to the duo, too, felt happy. “I was told the girl treats snakes as lizards. She is not scared at all. She is very courageous. I patted her and encouraged her,” he said.
This World Snake Day, on July 16, The Indian Express reported about the father-daughter duo.
Since then, they claim to have caught around 10-12 pythons. “The one we caught from the SP’s house was 11-12 ft long and weighed 60-70 kg,” said Kumar.
Impressed with the exploits of the duo, the district administration is considering imparting them advanced training. “I have told my staff to explore the places where they can be trained further about snakes and environmental conservation. We’ll sponsor them,” said Deputy Commissioner Lal.
The news has gladdened the hearts of the father-daughter duo. “We are ready to get training. We don’t claim we are perfect. There is always scope for learning more. But I have told them to let the rainy season be over first,” said Kumar.
The daughter seconded her father. “We are getting too many calls about snakes these days. Our hands are full. We can think of leaving our place only after the rains,” said Damini.
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