Palamu – Snakebite incidents have turned deadly in Jharkhand’s Palamu district, claiming three lives and leaving others critically ill, authorities confirmed on Friday.
The worst-hit was a family in Narsinghpur Pathra village under Chainpur police limits. On Thursday night, a snake entered their home and bit three family members while they slept. Arjun Kumar and Dev Kumar, two brothers, lost their lives, while their father, Prem Chaurasia, remains in critical condition. The family is reportedly related to Daltonganj MLA Alok Chaurasia.
Initially admitted to Medinirai Medical College in Palamu, the three were referred to RIMS in Ranchi as their conditions worsened. Sadly, the brothers died en route. Prem is currently under medical care.
In another incident in Basdih village, Bhikhari Bhuiyan and his wife Shakuntala Devi were also bitten in their sleep. Shakuntala succumbed during treatment; Bhikhari is in critical condition.
These cases are part of an alarming increase in snakebite-related deaths during the monsoon season in Jharkhand, with over 15 fatalities reported so far.
Earlier, on July 4, siblings Stuti Kumari and Aditya Kumar from Godda district also died from snakebites before receiving any medical help.
According to RIMS Ranchi, they receive 8–10 snakebite patients daily. Dr. Sanjay Singh from the Medicine Department noted that quick administration of antivenom is critical, but delays often occur due to reliance on traditional healing methods in rural areas.
The seasonal surge is linked to snakes fleeing their flooded habitats and entering homes. The state is known for venomous species like cobras, kraits, and vipers, as well as non-poisonous varieties such as dhamin and harhara.
With inputs from IANS