Thrissur: A total of 19 Indian rock python hatchlings were found over three days on the compound of a house at Poonkunnam in the heart of Thrissur city. The hatchlings were rescued from the residence of B Karthik at Sreekrishna Nilayam on Seetharam Mill Lane, Poonkunnam. Two of the hatchlings escaped into a nearby canal during the rescue operation. The house is located close to a canal connecting the Peringavu and Puzhakkal areas.

On Tuesday morning Karthik's brother B Sharath noticed a snake slithering near the gate. Initially, the family did not consider it serious, but by evening more hatchlings were found in different parts of the compound. Alarmed, the family informed the Forest Department.

Forest officials arrived and rescued 10 python hatchlings, each about 50 cm long, on Tuesday. Two of them escaped into the canal. During a follow-up inspection on Thursday morning, eight more hatchlings were found and handed over to the Forest Department. Later that evening, yet another hatchling was spotted in the vicinity.

Some of the snakes were found inside two vehicles parked near the front grille of the house. Four hatchlings were recovered from a neighbour's car that had been parked at Karthik's residence before being taken to a workshop—two were found under the seats and two inside the engine compartment. Another hatchling was found inside the fuel tank area of a vehicle belonging to Karthik's wife, Haritha.

The rescue operation was carried out by Forest Department snake rescue team members Ajish, Manu and Tyson.

Officials suspect that a python may have laid eggs beneath the foundation of the boundary wall adjacent to the canal. It is believed the snake entered through an opening connecting the canal to the underside of the wall. The family is now preparing to demolish part of the wall for a detailed inspection.

Karthik lives in the house with his brother, wife Haritha, mother Sulochana Balakrishnan and daughter R Hridhika.

Residents say snake sightings have become increasingly common in the Poonkunnam area. In recent days, pythons were also rescued from houses in Ram Nagar and Pushpagiri nearby.

"We haven't slept for three days"

"My elderly mother and my daughter, who studies in Class 4, are at home. We are living in fear every day. We haven't been able to sleep for the past 3 days. The Forest Department believes there may still be more eggs waiting to hatch. We will have to stay awake and keep watch again tonight," said homeowner B. Karthik.