Pathanamthitta (Kerala): A drunken man who caught a python from a canal here and wrapped it around his neck landed in trouble as forest officials registered a case against him on Monday.

On Sunday, a person left the local people stunned in front of a bar near Adoor in the district.

Local people believe that the python came into the city after being swept away by flood waters.

Visuals of a local tapioca seller man sitting on the footpath carrying a python from a cane and wrapping it around his neck, went viral on social media platforms.

He can be seen patting its hood and allowing others to touch the snake.

In the visuals, some people can be heard warning to release the snake into the canal.

Based on the information received, Adoor police took the man and the snake into custody on Sunday and took them to the station.

"Later, wildlife officials reached the spot and took them to the nearby forest police station. A case was registered against the person under relevant sections of the Wildlife Protection Act," a senior forest official said on Monday.

He said the python was shifted to an animal rescue center in Konni and would be released into the wild based on a court order in this regard.

The office said the man would be produced before a magistrate later in the day.