Believe him. Because he has reared a python, about 7.5 feet long, which subsists only on grass and leaves. According to Dolai, he came across the python about eight months back near a banyan tree. The python was hardly 7-8 inches in length at the time.

Though it was difficult for Dolai to make two ends meet what with his meagre earnings and five wives and children to feed, he nevertheless decided to rear the baby python. He named the python `Phoolmati' and arranged for its milk.

Fed on grass and leaves, Phoolmati is now a full-grown python. Having increased in girth, its `bedroom' has changed from a small basket to a drum.An adorable python, Phoolmati's gentle ways have made it the pet of the local residents. It is also a big hit with the outsiders who visit the area.Surprisingly, Phoolmati evenunderstands most of what Dolai says and responds by opening its mouth and showing its tongue when asked to do so. Being nurtured on vegetarian food, it has become totally averse to non-vegetarian food and vomits eggs and other stuff when fed. However, it is now becoming increasingly difficult for Dolai to manage a full-grown python. And the presence of his other pet, a bear, has further complicated matters. Though he would very much love to keep both his pets, he is now thinking of sending them to the zoo.