G.S. Roshni, a Forest Beat Officer from Kerala’s Paruthipalli Range, is being widely praised after a video showed her rescuing an 18-foot-long King Cobra from a residential area in Thiruvananthapuram. The video has gone viral, with viewers across the country applauding her calm and skilled handling of one of the world’s most venomous snakes.
The incident took place in the Peppara region, near Anchumaruthumoot, where locals bathing in a stream spotted the cobra. Alarmed, they called forest officials. Roshni was part of the Rapid Response Team that reached the spot. What followed was a single-handed rescue operation that left many viewers stunned. The officer, armed with only a hooked stick and a snake bag, worked steadily and carefully.
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, 2025
In the video, Roshni can be seen staying composed as the giant snake moved through the water. She maintained her focus, making several careful attempts to guide the cobra into the bag. At one point, she calmly said “please” while trying to ease the snake into position. After about six minutes of effort, she succeeded, ending the rescue with a visible smile of relief.
The video was shared by former IPS officer Rajan Medhekar, who praised Roshni’s courage. “Forest Beat Officer Roshni of Paruthipalli Range did not flinch even after seeing this 18-foot long King Cobra,” he wrote. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also reposted the video, urging the Kerala government to recognise her service. “Such bravery in the line of duty is often taken for granted,” he wrote.
Amazing courage and competence on display by Forest Officer Roshni! Calling on the Kerala Govt to recognise her exemplary service appropriately. Thanks for pointing this out @Rajan_Medhekar ! Such bravery in the line of duty too often is taken for granted and remains… https://t.co/8jaO7oRkyY
— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) July 7, 2025
Who Is G.S. Roshni?
G.S. Roshni has worked in the forest department for the past eight years. Based in Kerala, she has handled hundreds of wildlife rescues across the state. According to her, she has captured over 800 snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, during her career.
This king cobra rescue was a first. Roshni said sightings of this species are rare in the southern districts of Kerala. She described the snake as a mature specimen and said it was caught around 12:30 pm. After the rescue, the cobra was safely released deep into the forest.
Public Reaction
The rescue video has received thousands of views and shares. Social media users called Roshni brave, focused, and an example of dedication to public safety. One popular comment read, “People panic over lizards. This woman handled a King Cobra with calm like it’s routine.”
Others pointed out how she stood firm without backup, showcasing her skill and training. Although she was part of a five-member Rapid Response Team, it was Roshni who led the capture from start to finish.
Her actions have sparked discussions about recognising the risks frontline wildlife officers face every day. As one user put it, “Not all heroes wear uniforms—we just witnessed one in forest gear.”
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