Four snake charmers released snakes in a compartment of the Chambal Express in Uttar Pradesh as they were unhappy with their earnings after a performance.
According to a passenger, the snake charmers began their performance by releasing a snake from a basket which swayed as played their flutes. After the performance, they sought money from the passengers.
“Some people gave the money, some declined. It is not clear how but the snake charmers got into an argument with some persons who had refused to pay. At one point, they suddenly released the snakes in the compartment,” the passenger said.
There was chaos in the unreserved compartment for more than half an hour as passengers scrambled to get onto the upper berths. Some passengers hid in the washroom to save themselves.
The snake charmers eventually caught the snakes and got off the train moments before it entered the Mahoba station.
A police official said, “We spoke to the passengers at Mahoba railway station and they confirmed the incident. The snakes did not bite any passenger but did cause significant distress.”