Jharsuguda, Aug. 10 (UDN): In a bizarre incident highlighting the dangers of snakebite-related myths, a young man in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district reportedly caught and bit a cobra after accidentally stepping on the reptile.
The incident occurred in the Laikera police station area, where Dharamsingh Khadia of Karmapada was reportedly on his way to his agricultural field when he accidentally stepped on a cobra.
The startled snake reportedly raised its hood, leaving Dharamsingh frightened. However, instead of moving away and seeking help, he allegedly grabbed the cobra and bit its neck, killing the reptile.
Dangerous Belief Behind Bizarre Act
Dharamsingh reportedly said he had previously been told by a traditional healer that if a snake bites a person, biting the snake in return could prevent the venom from affecting the victim.
Believing the claim, he decided to confront the cobra after the encounter.
The incident has once again raised concerns over misinformation and traditional beliefs surrounding snakebites.
Man Hospitalised As Precaution
Although the cobra died following the incident, Dharamsingh later complained of feeling unwell. His family subsequently took him to Govindpur Hospital, where doctors examined him.
According to officials, no apparent snakebite marks were found on his body. He was nevertheless kept under 24-hour medical observation as a precaution, in accordance with medical protocol. His condition was reported to be stable.
Snake Helpline Honorary Secretary Suvendu Mallik said that encouraging people to bite snakes or follow such traditional remedies is extremely dangerous and completely unscientific.
He pointed out that the man appeared to have bitten the snake’s neck rather than being bitten himself, but stressed that people should never attempt to handle a cobra under any circumstances.
Experts Warn: Never Attempt To Bite or Handle a Snake
Doctors also cautioned that the man was extremely fortunate that the cobra apparently did not bite him.
Experts emphasise that biting a snake does not neutralise venom and cannot prevent poisoning following a snakebite. Attempting to catch, kill or bite a snake can instead expose a person to additional risks.
In case of a suspected snakebite, the victim should be kept calm and taken to a hospital immediately. People should avoid traditional remedies, cutting or sucking the wound, or attempting to capture the snake.
The unusual Jharsuguda incident has therefore served as a stark reminder that snakebite myths can have life-threatening consequences, and timely medical treatment remains the safest response.
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