Snakecharmer in Uniform

The 48-year-old Dukhande,a Malad Police sub-inspector,and his team of animal lovers call themselves the sarpamitras (friends of snakes). He says the sarpamitras have been rescuing snakes spotted in the city limits for the past 27 years. They rescue snakes mainly in the northern areas of the city,but also respond to calls from other areas including Thane and Navi Mumbai.

Although watching and learning about snakes and other reptiles has been Dukhande’s hobby,the state cadre PSI of the 1985 batch started pursuing it with renewed interest shortly after he donned the khaki uniform.

“I was always interested in reptiles and wanted to learn more about them. Before I was recruited to the force,I was a fitness trainer. I often went trekking and would stop to watch every time I spotted a snake. I began researching these creatures and got to know a lot about them,” said Dukhande.

In 1986,when Dukhande was with the Local Arms unit,a team of officers was taken to Sanjay Gandhi National Park for rock climbing,part of their fitness training.

“I saw a lot of snakes then. After the camp was over,I began researching snakes with more interest. I wanted to know their behaviour and why they attack humans. I studied books that had in-depth information on reptiles,” said Dukhande,who also learnt how to catch them without hurting them and getting hurt himself. It was then that the idea of rescuing snakes wandering into the city from their habitat germinated.

The first snake he caught after someone called police informing them of spotting one,was a pit viper.

“The first snake turned out to be a pit viper,very venomous and highly dangerous. I managed to catch it. It was a daunting task,but it gave me confidence. I released it into the forest,” he said.

Dukhande has since rescued many more pit vipers. He has also rescued cobras,russell vipers and kraits,all highly venemous,besides pythons,rat snakes and vine snakes.

When people spot a snake,a call is placed to Dukhande who reaches the spot with his team.

“Our group of about six includes a veterinarian. What binds us together is we are all animal lovers. Our passion is to rescue reptiles and release them into the wild without them being hurt. In 2010,we started the group Sarp and our contact numbers have been given out so that residents can call us if they spot a snake or a reptile in their vicinity,” said Dukhande.

The hobby,however,has its dangers. In 2008,Dukhande was rushed to hospital with a snake bite.

“A pit viper had attacked me when I was rescuing it. I was taken to hospital and my condition was serious. I managed to recover but lost usage of my left index finger where the snake had bitten me. I was also bitten by a cobra,but its venom sacs were empty. My family did get upset with me,but then realised it was my hobby. They support me,” said Dukhande,whose family comprises his father,wife and son. “We get several calls a month,at times several a day. We are not doing this for money,considering there is none involved. We pay for the expenses from our pockets. Our aim is to see that ecology is not affected and these snakes,which seem to have lost their way are released into their habitat,” said Dukhande.