Lonavala Nostra Villa Controversy: Staff Allegedly Kills Snake Inside Room, Family Claims Threats

Lonavala: A controversy has erupted around Nostra Villa in Lonavala after a visiting family alleged that a member of the property staff killed a snake found inside their room. A video of the alleged incident has since surfaced online, prompting discussions about wildlife safety and the handling of snake encounters at tourist properties.

The family has also alleged that they did not receive an apology after the incident and instead faced threats when they raised concerns about what had happened.

The property is located in the Atvan area of Lonavala, near Aambey Valley Road and Lion’s Point. The surrounding region is known for its hills and dense greenery, making encounters with reptiles and other wildlife possible.

Family Shares Video of Alleged Incident

According to the family’s account shared on social media, a snake entered their room during their stay at Nostra Villa.

The family alleged that staff members responded by killing the snake rather than safely removing it from the premises. A video purportedly showing the incident was subsequently shared online.

In her social media post, the woman claimed that there was “no guilt no apology” and alleged that she was instead told to do whatever she wanted.

These claims have not been independently verified, and the circumstances surrounding the incident remain based on the family’s account and the video circulating online.

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Wildlife Safety Concerns in Lonavala

The incident has renewed concerns about how wildlife encounters are handled at hotels, villas and resorts located close to forested areas.

Nostra Villa describes its property as being surrounded by greenery and the Sahyadri hills, while travel listings also place it in the Atvan area near Lion’s Point.

In such locations, snakes and other wild animals can occasionally enter human habitation. Wildlife experts generally recommend keeping a safe distance and contacting trained rescuers rather than attempting to handle or kill a wild animal.

Is Killing a Snake Illegal in India?

Snakes are protected under India’s wildlife protection framework, and the legal position can depend on the species and circumstances involved. Several Indian snake species receive protection under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Therefore, claims that a snake was deliberately killed at a resort can potentially raise wildlife-law concerns. However, determining whether an offence occurred would require establishing the species involved, what exactly happened and the circumstances surrounding the alleged killing.

It is therefore important not to treat the viral video alone as proof of criminal liability.

Family Allegedly Received Threats

Apart from the alleged killing of the snake, the family has claimed that they were threatened after raising the issue with the property.

The woman’s social media statement alleged that there was no apology and that she was told, in effect, to take the matter wherever she wanted.

The allegation of threats has not been independently established. Any complaint made to police or wildlife authorities could help determine whether the claim has a factual basis.

Video Raises Questions About Resort Responsibility

The controversy has also sparked a broader conversation about the responsibility of hospitality properties operating in wildlife-rich areas.

Guests staying in forested or semi-rural destinations can encounter snakes and other animals, making emergency protocols and trained staff particularly important.

A safe response would generally involve isolating the area, keeping guests away from the animal and contacting qualified wildlife rescuers or local authorities.

Investigation and Official Response Awaited

At the time of writing, the allegations surrounding the incident remain claims made by the visiting family. There has been no independently verified finding establishing that Nostra Villa management ordered or approved the alleged killing.

The authenticity and full context of the circulating video, the identity of the person seen in it and the circumstances leading to the snake’s death would need to be established before responsibility can be conclusively determined.

The incident has nevertheless drawn attention to wildlife safety at tourist properties in Lonavala and the need for responsible handling of animal encounters.

Disclaimer: This report presents allegations made by a visiting family and information visible in a circulating social media video. The claims have not been independently verified. No conclusion about criminal or legal liability should be drawn unless established by competent authorities.