Two young men lost their lives in separate snakebite incidents in Jharigam block of Nabarangpur district, casting a pall of grief over the region.
In the first case, Shakra Santa (38) of Jabaguda village under Battamera panchayat was bitten by a venomous snake while sleeping at home. His family rushed him to Umerkote Community Health Centre, but doctors declared him dead before treatment could begin.
In another incident, Chaitanya Gauda (28) of Mangaliguda village under Bhalukunadi panchayat was working in his farmland when a poisonous snake struck. Despite being taken swiftly to Umerkote CHC, doctors confirmed his death upon arrival.
Police led by SI Mamata Sethi registered cases of unnatural death and initiated legal procedures. After completion of formalities, the bodies were handed over to the families.
The sudden deaths have devastated both households, leaving them in financial distress as they lost their primary breadwinners. Villagers have urged the administration to extend immediate financial assistance and government support to the bereaved families.
The twin tragedies have spread sorrow across the community, highlighting the urgent need for awareness, preventive measures, and timely medical intervention in snakebite-prone areas.
