Superstition over Science: Snakebite death sparks blind faith in Odisha

Even in the age of science, superstitions hold a strong sway in some parts of Odisha. After a man died from snakebite, his grieving family rejected the doctors’ declaration and turned to a sorcerer in a desperate bid to revive him, on Thursday.

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According to sources, in a bizarre incident from Ramchandrapur village under Nayakanidihi police limits and Basudevpur block in Odisha’s Bhadrak district, blind faith has once again been followed, sidelining modern science.

Subash Mahakud, a local man, was bitten by a venomous snake while grazing cattle. His family rushed him to Basudevpur Community Health Centre (CHC), where doctors declared him ‘dead’ on arrival.

However, unable to accept the man’s death, his family, influenced by the neighbours, took Subash’s body to a traditional sorcerer (locally called Gunia) in Jagannathprasad panchayat. There, rituals involving ‘Jhada Phunka’ (a typical sorcery practice) were carried out in a futile attempt to bring him back to life.

Despite the medical team’s clear declaration, the family ignored scientific facts in favour of superstition. The incident drew the attention of health officials, and the doctor is reported to have informed local police at Basudevpur regarding the family’s actions.

This case underscores the persistent clash between modern science and deep-rooted blind beliefs in rural Odisha.

“While on duty, I received the man ‘dead’ at around 3.00 PM today. The man had already died before reaching here (Basudevpur CHC). As per our routine procedure, we informed the police,” a doctor of the health facility stated to OTV when contacted.