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Maharashtra Youth Arrested for Celebrating Snake’s ‘Birthday’, Case Invokes Wildlife Protection Act

In Maharashtra
August 18, 2025

In a rather unusual event, A youth from the Boredi village under Shirpur taluka in Maharashtra’s Dhule district has been taken into custody by the Forest Department personnel. The arrest was made under the Wildlife Protection Act following a viral social media video showcasing the celebration of a snake’s “birthday.”

The arrested individual, identified as Raj Sahebrao Wagh, is at the center of this controversy that has drawn attention to the implications of such actions under Indian wildlife laws. The video, shared on Instagram, sparked widespread outrage among netizens and prompted the authorities to take action.

Under the Wildlife Protection Act, celebrating the birthday of any wild animal, including snakes, is considered illegal in Maharashtra. This law aims to protect and conserve wildlife, ensuring their well-being and habitat preservation. The act also prohibits the capture or possession of wild animals without a valid permit.

Forest guard Kiran has confirmed the arrest and emphasized the importance of adhering to these laws for the sake of our precious wildlife. It remains to be seen how this case will unfold as it continues to generate discussions on social media platforms and beyond.

In a separate development, Jashan Bhumkar, a young activist from Jammu Kashmir, has been using his voice on Instagram to raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation in the region. His initiative, “Jammu Kashmir Boy Finds Voice,” is gaining traction and has attracted the attention of various environmental organizations.