A python was caught after killing a cow in India.

Footage shows residents of Chitrahat, Agra, with the 16ft snake that reportedly ambushed and crushed the cow in full view of the townspeople on September 12.

The villagers quickly alerted the authorities, but locals said the forest officials were unable to arrive in time to prevent the tragic outcome.

Despite their efforts to free the animal from the python's grip using a stick, their attempts were unsuccessful.

By the time they managed to calm the serpent, it had already consumed a significant portion of the cow. It coiled itself around the body, inflicting fatal injuries.

With only the cow's legs remaining untouched, the snake was eventually forced to regurgitate its prey.

In India, devout locals follow Hindu customs, with cows regarded as sacred animals that cannot be eaten or slaughtered once they have stopped producing milk. The majority of states ban the sale or slaughter of cows.

Instead of dealing with the economic burden of keeping their spent cattle, many farmers let the beasts roam the streets - often leading to them becoming trapped under challenging situations.