Panic gripped employees of a clothing store after they found a small cobra in southern India's Karnataka state.

The incident took place on November 24 in Khade Bazaar region in the state's Belgaum city.

Footage shows the rescue operation undertaken by the snake catcher who catches the reptile by its tail and pulls it away.

According to the rescuer, the newly hatched snake was spotted hidden at the back of the shelves.

After the rescue, the snake was released in the forest.