The craze for keeping exotic animals as pets is growing in the city, influenced by social media and personal Ninterest. However, many people are keeping these animals without legal documents. In response, Zone 3 police, led by Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Mahak Swami, conducted raids in Kotwali and Pachpaoli on Wednesday after receiving a tip-off.

During the raid, officices found two pythons at a pet shop in Kotwali. The police called forest officials, who used the PARIVESH app to check if the shop owner, Amit Anil Shrivastava (37), had the necessary documents. Officials confirmed that Shrivastava had legal papers for the pythons, but further investigation is ongoing. Until the inquiry is complete, he has been banned from selling snakes.

DCP Mahak Swami said, "The forest department is verifying the documents. A panchnama has been done, and the shop owner cannot sell snakes until the inquiry is over."

While buying and selling exotic animals is legal in India, police sources say that many people do it without proper permits, which can lead to legal trouble. To own an exotic pet legally, one needs import papers, purchase receipts, transfer documents, and customs clearance.

Pet shop owner Asim Niranjan Paul explained, "Keeping Indian wild animals is strictly illegal, but exotic pets from other countries can be kept with valid documents. Owners should register their pets on the PARIVESH app, though the process is complicated."

He added that breeding exotic pets has been banned under new rules. However, if someone already has an exotic pet, it may reproduce naturally. If these newborn animals are not registered, they become illegal.

Authorities believe there may be more cases of illegal exotic pet ownership in the city and have promised to take further action.