A tragic incident struck flood‑ravaged Madhupur village under Tihidi block in Bhadrak district, where a couple lost their lives to venomous snakebite within hours of each other.
According to locals, Pramila Barik was the first to suffer severe abdominal pain and throat constriction while asleep on Thursday night. She was rushed to Bhadrak hospital but succumbed to the bite. Her body was brought home and buried on Friday morning.
Soon after, her husband, 50‑year‑old Paramananda Barik, developed similar symptoms. Villagers rushed him to Tihidi hospital and later to Bhadrak hospital, but his condition worsened. He was referred to Kataka, yet tragically died en route near Bhandaripokhari.
Police exhumed Pramila’s body for post‑mortem, suspecting snakebite as the cause. Both bodies were examined at Bhadrak district headquarters hospital before being handed over to the family.
Snake‑catcher Mirza later captured a highly venomous mountain viper hiding inside the couple’s flood‑damaged home. Villagers fear that floodwaters have driven poisonous snakes into residential areas, posing grave risks to families across submerged regions.
Authorities have urged vigilance and immediate medical attention in suspected snakebite cases, stressing the need for rapid response to prevent further tragedies.
