Youth critical after rare snake bites him in Bhadrak; reptile goes missing

A youth was critically injured after being bitten by a snake he was carrying around his neck in Bhadrak district, an incident reported from the Banta area on Wednesday.

The injured has been identified as Subal Sahu. According to sources, the youth was seen roaming in the area with a colourful and rare snake wrapped around his neck when the reptile suddenly bit him on his right hand.

Following the snakebite, Subal’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was rushed to the Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

The snake was also brought to the hospital in a container for identification. However, doctors were initially unable to identify the species. Later, members of the Snake Helpline identified the reptile as an albino banded krait, a rare and highly venomous species.

Sources said albino banded krait snakes are considered extremely rare and are believed to have high demand in the international market.

Meanwhile, the snake reportedly went missing from the container in which it was kept, raising serious questions about its origin and whereabouts. The incident has triggered concerns over safety and possible illegal handling or trafficking of rare wildlife.

Eyewitnesses said the youth was moving around with the snake when it bit him. “He was admitted to the district headquarters hospital, but the snake, which was kept in a jar, reportedly managed to escape,” said a local resident.

Subhendu Mallick, General Secretary of the Snake Helpline, said his team rushed to Bhadrak hospital after receiving a call from doctors to identify the reptile. “When we later visited the victim’s house to identify the snake, it was found missing. Such snakes have high demand in the international market. We urge the Bhadrak DFO to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter,” he said.

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There have been demands for a detailed probe to ascertain how the youth came into possession of the rare snake and where it has gone after the incident.