Snake sighting causes panic at Punjab-Haryana Assembly ahead of winter session

Chandigarh: Panic erupted among employees at the Haryana Assembly on Friday morning after a venomous snake was spotted within the premises, just five days before the winter session set for November 13.

The snake, identified as a Russell’s viper—a highly venomous species known to be one of the most dangerous in the world—was discovered as employees arrived for work.

Upon noticing the snake, employees immediately informed senior officials, who contacted the forest department. Officials reportedly faced considerable difficulty in capturing the snake, which was eventually secured and released into a distant forest area.

This incident follows a similar one four months ago, when another snake appeared on the fourth floor of the Assembly Secretariat, where the Chief Minister’s Office is located.

In that case, the snake had been hiding behind office files before it was also removed by forest department personnel.

The Assembly building, surrounded by open spaces and densely vegetated areas, has seen repeated encounters with wildlife, raising concerns about the safety and security of staff, especially as the session nears.