TV
In a tragic turn of events, two individuals lost their lives due to snakebite in separate incidents reported from Bonai block of Sundargarh district. The deceased have been identified as Rashmi, a minor girl from Katuridhua village, and Ajit Oram from Narendra village.
According to local sources, both individuals were bitten by snakes in their respective villages under Bonai block in unrelated incidents. They were immediately rushed to Bonai Hospital after their condition turned critical.
Despite receiving medical treatment, both succumbed to the venom during treatment at the hospital. Their untimely and painful deaths have cast a shadow of grief over the local communities, with villagers mourning the loss of two promising lives.
Rashmi was reportedly bitten while she was sleeping at her house, and Ajit Oram fell victim to a snakebite later in the day while he was outdoors near his home. Family members and neighbours acted swiftly in both cases to get them to the nearest healthcare facility, but their efforts were in vain.
These incidents have once again highlighted the rising number of snakebite-related deaths in Odisha ’s rural areas, particularly during the monsoon season when snake activity increases due to waterlogging and habitat disturbances.
The local administration has reportedly initiated the necessary formalities for post-mortem and is expected to provide ex-gratia relief to the bereaved families as per government norms.
Meanwhile, health officials in Sundargarh have urged people to exercise caution, especially during the rainy season, and to seek immediate medical attention in the event of a snakebite instead of resorting to traditional remedies, which often delay proper treatment.
These deaths serve as a stark reminder of the silent but deadly threat posed by snakebites, especially in tribal and forested belts, where awareness and access to medical care remain a challenge.
