Snake charmers release snakes in train after dispute over payment, passengers panic

KANPUR: Snake charmers released snakes inside a train after demanding payment from passengers and not receiving it. Although everyone is safe, passengers experienced panic for approximately 30 minutes.

The incident occurred in the general coach of the Chambal Express, which departed from Howrah in West Bengal en route to Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh. Clashes broke out as people hurriedly sought refuge in upper berths and toilets. Some passengers closed themselves in the toilets for hours.

The snake charmers boarded the train at Banda station in Uttar Pradesh and after some time released a snake and engaged with it in a performance. When the performance concluded the snake charmers demanded money from the passengers. While some complied, others refused leading to a verbal altercation between the snake charmers and those who declined to pay. Subsequently, snakes were released.

Some passengers contacted the railway control room to report the situation. However, the snake charmers themselves captured the snakes and got down at the next stop, Mahoba station, where they escaped. Officials arrived and conducted an inspection.

Upon reaching Jhansi station, passengers were relocated to another coach. Officials assured that all passengers are safe with many managing to remain calm. The identities of the snake charmers remain unknown but the police have taken the case and informed that an ongoing investigation will lead to their arrest soon.