Kanpur: GT Road got an unusual commuter late Friday, when a 10-foot-long python slithered across the busy highway in Kalyanpur, bringing traffic to a standstill. The giant reptile left motorists stunned, drew large crowds and prompted a rescue operation by the forest department.The massive python suddenly emerged onto the road, prompting motorists to stop their vehicles and gather to watch the reptile. The crowd led to a long queue of vehicles and a traffic jam on the busy stretch.Fearing an accident, locals alerted Dial 112. A police team from Kalyanpur police station reached the spot, dispersed the crowd and regulated traffic while informing the forest department.Forest officials arrived soon afterwards and launched a rescue operation. After nearly 30 minutes, the python was safely captured. During the operation, police prevented curious onlookers from approaching the reptile to avoid any untoward incident.The forest department later shifted the python to a safe forest habitat.Residents said snakes and other wild animals often stray into residential areas during the monsoon from nearby bushes and waterlogged fields. However, the sighting of such a large python on the busy GT Road created both panic and curiosity among commuters.Forest officials appealed to the public not to attempt to catch or harm snakes or other wild animals. They advised people to immediately inform the forest department or the police whenever such animals are spotted so trained personnel can carry out a safe rescue.
