The snake whisperer of central India: meet Sameem Khan, the lifesaving serpent rescuer
by Aditi VermaIn Khurai, Sameem Khan, a skilled snake catcher with 25 years of experience in central India’s Madhya Pradesh, has become a local hero. Though he is a bike mechanic by profession, his remarkable ability to handle and rescue venomous snakes has saved countless lives and protected numerous creatures.
The incident took place at the Khurai area of Sagar District on August 10.
Visuals showed a snake expert traveled across various locations, expertly capturing and rescuing snakes, and releasing them safely in the wild. Alongside snakes, he also handled and relocated other animals and insects, ensuring their safety. His work involved navigating diverse environments to protect both wildlife and people.
Sameem Khan, a resident of Gandhi Ward, Sagar, has lived in Khurai since 2008. Known for his expertise in snake catching, Sameem handles even the most dangerous and venomous snakes with ease. His reputation is so well-established that locals often remark on the close friendship he shares with these reptiles.
Sameem’s bravery was recently showcased during the monsoon season when he tackled an extraordinary challenge. In the village of Lahurra, near the house of Devendra Ahirwar, Sameem discovered a staggering 16 snakes hidden within the walls of a farmhouse. The operation to capture them took six hours and involved breaking down the wall.
Among his recent rescues, Sameem caught a pair of cobras—a five-foot male and a three-foot female—from an auto parts shop near Sagar Naka Chauraha. Additionally, he handled a five-foot cobra found inside a wash basin at a home in Jaruakheda and removed a venomous snake from a haystack at a local auditorium.
Sameem Khan’s unique skills not only provide relief to frightened locals but also contribute to the conservation of these essential, yet often misunderstood, creatures. His work underscores the importance of vigilance during the rainy season, as snakes frequently seek refuge in homes and other structures.