A monitor lizard was rescued from within a car engine by combined efforts of civic body and fire department workers in western India’s Maharashtra.

The reptile was found hiding under the hood of the SUV on July 21 in Vasai-Virar's West Bhabola area within Mumbai Metropolitan Region.

According to the vehicle owner, Manish Kanavar, the lizard was first spotted on the street adjacent to his house and disappeared later.

One of his neighbours then informed him about the reptile finding a comfortable spot under his car bonnet.

Kanavar proceeded to call Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation and the Fire Brigade in order to safely rescue the reptile from his car.

Visuals show the workers splitting open the engine, and attempting the sneaky reptile’s rescue.

After a tremendous toil of over two hours, the reptile was finally rescued, with its hind legs secured with a rope as a preventive measure to hinder its escape.