Woman finds live cobra in Amazon’s Xbox package
Venomous snake found stuck to packaging tape in Xbox delivery
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A customer in India received an unusual delivery – a live cobra – inside a box along with an Xbox controller she had ordered in the southern city of Bengaluru.
The venomous snake was stuck to the packaging tape of the Amazon India delivery and couldn’t harm her.
The woman named Tanvi, who goes by the handle @Tanvxo on X, wrote on 17 June: “Ordered an Xbox controller from @amazonIN and received a free snake with it!”
She managed to capture a video of the incident and share it on social media, prompting widespread concern from other Indians.
The snake, identified as a spectacled cobra native to Karnataka state, was safely captured and released, according to a report by NDTV.
Amazon India responded by apologising and stating they were investigating the incident, emphasising customer safety as a priority.
On X, the company wrote in response to the Bengaluru woman’s post: “We’re sorry to know about the inconvenience you’ve had with the Amazon order. We’d like to have this checked.” The company asked her to share more details and promised “our team will get back to you soon with an update”.
The woman, meanwhile, received a refund but criticised Amazon for negligence, raising concerns about safety in their transportation and warehousing practices. “What did they get for risking their lives with a highly venomous snake? This is a safety breach caused solely by Amazon’s negligence and their poor transportation/warehousing hygiene and supervision,” Tanvi alleged.
Social media users in India reacted with both concern and humour over the unusual delivery. One wrote: “So Amazon is now delivering cobra as well, that’s why Amazon is the leader in online shopping.”
Another user joked: “I also have an Amazon order coming this evening... Need to find a snake catcher now.”
More recently, Amazon workers in an Indian warehouse were allegedly forced to pledge not to take any breaks, including for water or bathroom use, until they met their targets, even as the country faced an unprecedented heatwave.
With temperatures exceeding 50C, workers at Amazon India’s Manesar warehouse in Haryana reported struggling with hazardous working conditions that they claim management ignored.
In a statement to The Independent, Amazon India said: “The safety of our customers, employees and associates is a top priority for us. We take all customer complaints seriously and are investigating this incident.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments