Following mid-day’s report about two foreign influencers freely handling snakes in Navi Mumbai, a fresh allegation has emerged claiming that a king cobra was smuggled into the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). Photos have surfaced showing influencer Mickael Aparicio allegedly handling a king cobra, and a formal complaint has been lodged with the Maharashtra Forest Department by wildlife enthusiast Anand Mohite. The department has now initiated an investigation into the matter.

Mumbai-based wildlife lover Anand Mohite said, “While going through the Instagram accounts of both the international influencers, we got to know that one of them (Mickael Aparicio) did free handling of king cobra—a species that is not found in Mumbai or Mumbai Metropolitan Region. This also means that someone, or those snake rescuers seen in the group photos with the foreign influencer, have smuggled the king cobra and have provided the species for free handling. The forest department needs to investigate this case, and action should be taken against those who have smuggled the king cobra.”