Thiruvananthapuram: A daring snake rescue by a woman forest officer in Kerala has taken the internet by storm, with social media flooded with both praise and criticism.

The video, which aired on TV channels, showed Beat Forest Officer G S Roshni capturing a massive 14-15 foot long king cobra from a stream near Peppara, all by herself. Armed with just a long stick and a bag, she calmly bagged the 20-kg snake in just six minutes.

One user commented that women afraid of lizards and cockroaches should learn from her courage. Another wrote, “Big salute ma’am. I don’t see anyone standing with her, offering to hold the bag or help her. Everyone is sitting in the gallery and commenting…” referring to those at the scene whose voices could be heard in the background.

But not everyone was impressed. Some criticised her handling of the rescue, pointing out “several mistakes” and warning her to be more careful. Another viewer called her “inexperienced” and said the task was too dangerous to be done solo.

First king cobra catch for the officer

Roshni, who has rescued over 800 snakes in her nearly eight-year career with the Kerala Forest Department, said this was her first time dealing with a king cobra.

She was part of a five-member Rapid Response Team (RRT) that reached the forest-fringe area of Anchumaruthumoodu after locals spotted the snake near a bathing stream.

“The snake was about 14-15 feet long and weighed approximately 20 kgs,” she told PTI. “It was a mature snake.”

In the video, she is seen gently urging the cobra into the bag, even saying “please” at one point when it tries to slither away.

The rescue took place around 12.30 pm on Sunday. The king cobra was later released safely into the deep forest.