On July 7, 2025, a viral video of Kerala Forest Officer G. S. Roshni rescuing a 14–to 15-foot king cobra from a stream near Peppara, Thiruvananthapuram, captivated millions, showcasing her bravery and skill.
G S Roshni, part of a five-member Rapid Response Team (RRT), captured a 20-kg king cobra in six minutes using a snake-catching stick and bag, per PTI. The snake, spotted in Anchumaruthumoodu’s stream, a local bathing spot, was released into the deep forest, per The Week. The video was shared on X by Rajan Medhekar (@Rajan_Medhekar), praising Roshni’s king cobra rescue, which garnered 412,000 engagements.
Forest Beat Officer Roshni of Paruthipalli Range did not flinch even after seeing this 18-foot long #KingCobra!
It was was caught by her from the residential area of Anchumaruthumoot, Peppara, Thiruvananthapuram, #Kerala, after locals bathing in the stream spotted it today. pic.twitter.com/37IdVsw3mx
— Rajan Medhekar (@Rajan_Medhekar) July 7, 2025The video, which aired on various TV channels, sparked both praise and criticism. Many social media users praised Roshni, with comments such as “Queen handling king, what an inspiration!” and “Salute, ma’am.” However, some criticised her for not wearing protective gear, labelling her as “inexperienced,” according to The Week. Supporters defended her, highlighting her training in snake handling in 2019 and her calm demeanour during the incident. This debate also reflects the gender dynamics present in wildlife management roles and has received 45,500 views, according to NDTV.
Roshni, a mother of two, joined the Kerala Forest Department in 2017, where she trained in scientific snake-handling methods. With over 800 rescues under her belt, including pythons and vipers, she has demonstrated significant expertise in her field. Although king cobras are rare in southern Kerala, her skills continue to shine. The quick response of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) to a call from Peppara highlights Kerala’s commitment to wildlife conservation, especially considering there are only 10 trained snake catchers in the district.
