A 32-year-old youth from Hatadihi block in Keonjhar district, identified as Subal Sahu, suffered multiple snakebites after carrying a venomous snake in his bag and roaming around the market to show off.
Subal had recently visited his uncle’s house in Palasa village under the Banta block. While staying there, he spotted a snake lying motionless nearby. Mistaking it for a harmless species, he picked it up and placed it inside his bag. Moreover, he began roaming through the market, displaying the snake to onlookers.
The snake grew agitated and bit him repeatedly, causing bleeding. Shockingly, Subal continued to play with the reptile, even pressing its mouth against his cheek and touching its tongue. Witnesses panicked at the sight and quickly removed the snake from his bag, placing it inside a jar. They rushed Subal to Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital for emergency treatment.
Doctors expressed surprise as Subal appeared stable despite the bites. Furthermore, they collected blood samples to test for venom. Medical staff stated that anti-venom injections would be administered once the presence of poison was confirmed.
Subal, a mason by profession, remains under observation. The bizarre incident has created widespread sensation in Palasa and the surrounding areas. Residents described the act as reckless and dangerous, warning others against such risky behaviour.
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