Aurangabad, Nov 9:
A policeman, while reporting on his duty spotted a group of people watching Sand Boa (two-headed snake), near Salim Ali Lake, and sensing the importance took the reptile in his possession and handed it over safely to the forest officials.
It so happened that the cop Avinash Joshi is posted at the city police headquarter. On November 4 morning, he was going on duty from Avishkar Colony (N-6 Cidco). While on the way, he spotted the people near the lake. Joshi stopped his vehicle and saw the wildlife. He was aware of the animal as he was once associated with SRPF and was posted at Gadchiroli. He dispersed the group, took Sand Boa in his possession and on the orders of his superiors, handed the reptile to forest officials.
Sand Boa is listed under the Schedule IV of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972. It is in great demand amongst black magicians or ''tantriks'' who are on a hunt of finding hidden treasures. It is smuggled and fetches a high price in the market. Police had detected several cases and took many actions in connection with the reptile. However, the Sand Boa got a lease of life due to the alert cop.