Python Found Hidden in Plastic Waste at Kerala Collection Centre, Probe Launched

Women sanitation workers of the Haritha Karma Sena had a narrow escape after a live python emerged from a plastic waste sack during segregation at the Muthambi Material Collection Facility (MCF) in Ward 20 of Koyilandy Municipality. The workers alleged the reptile had been deliberately tied inside the sack and discarded with household plastic waste, prompting an official investigation.

The incident occurred recently while the workers were sorting plastic waste collected from households across various municipal wards. According to the workers, one of the sacks appeared to contain only plastic. However, when a colleague untied the wire securing the bag, a live python suddenly sprang out, triggering panic at the collection centre.

The workers alleged that the snake had been tightly tied with wire inside a plastic sack, which was then placed inside another bag containing plastic waste to conceal it. They believe the act was intentional and said they narrowly escaped being bitten.

"We had no idea it was inside. We thought it was just another empty bag. When the wire was removed, the python suddenly leapt out. Is this what we get for trying to keep the city clean?" one Haritha Karma Sena worker told a television channel.

The workers said the sack was part of a batch of waste collected the previous Saturday. They have lodged complaints with the Koyilandy Municipality and the police, demanding that those responsible be identified and prosecuted. Municipal authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway.

The Haritha Karma Sena, a women-led sanitation workforce under Kerala's local self-government institutions, is responsible for collecting, segregating and scientifically processing household waste across the state. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the safety of frontline sanitation workers and irresponsible disposal of hazardous materials.