In a shocking display of superstition, a youth from Pakelpada, Bamara in Sambalpur district bit the hood of a cobra after recalling a local gunia’s advice that “biting back” prevents venom from spreading.
The incident occurred when Dharamsingh Khadia accidentally stepped on the snake while heading to his field. Startled by the cobra’s raised hood, he remembered the gunia’s words and, in panic, grabbed the reptile and bit its hood. The snake died instantly, but Dharamsingh soon felt unwell.
Family members rushed him to Gobindpur hospital, where doctors placed him under 24‑hour medical observation. His condition is reported to be stable.
Medical experts strongly condemned the act, stressing that snakebite myths are life‑threatening. “The only safe response to a venomous bite is immediate hospitalisation, not reliance on superstition,” doctors said.
The bizarre incident has sparked debate in the locality, highlighting how blind faith can endanger lives. Authorities and health experts urged people to avoid such practices and seek professional medical help in case of snakebites.
