Snake Catcher’s Tragic Death in Madhya Pradesh After Cobra Bite Sparks Safety Debate

Handling snakes is always risky, but just how dangerous this work can be became tragically clear in Madhya Pradesh’s Guna district. A snake catcher named Deepak, known locally for rescuing many snakes and for his fearlessness, lost his life after being bitten by a cobra he was trying to rescue—all while making a video for social media.

Incident Details and Aftermath

The incident took place in Raghogarh, where Deepak had been called to rescue a black cobra. After successfully catching the snake, he made the fatal mistake of draping it around his neck—a moment captured in photographs and videos. The cobra, visibly stressed and with its hood spread wide, unexpectedly bit Deepak on the shoulder. Despite quick attempts to rush him to a civil hospital and the administration of an anti-venom dose, Deepak’s condition deteriorated rapidly. He lost consciousness soon after the bite and passed away later that night.

Eyewitnesses and family members recall that Deepak began showing severe symptoms of envenomation soon after being bitten. Although initial medical intervention seemed to offer a little relief, it was not enough to save his life.

Critical Questions Raised

The tragedy has triggered widespread discussion about the lack of precautions taken during the incident. Deepak was experienced, but his decision to put the snake around his neck for social media content proved to be a critical error. Wildlife experts and netizens question why necessary safety measures weren’t followed, especially when handling protected and extremely venomous species like cobras.

Legal and Safety Implications

Under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, keeping or harming protected species such as cobras is illegal. Experts warn that snakes, particularly when stressed, can become highly aggressive and unpredictable.

This incident is not isolated; it is reportedly the second fatal snakebite case involving a snake rescuer in India in recent times. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of handling wild animals without sufficient care and expertise—and of the added risks that come with prioritizing social media fame over safety.

A Lesson for All

The most important takeaway is that wild animals—especially venomous snakes—should be handled only by trained professionals and with the utmost caution. Snake rescuers are urged to follow strict safety protocols to prevent such tragedies in the future, and the public is advised not to imitate such dangerous acts for videos or fame.

Rescuing wildlife is a noble deed, but it must always be done safely, responsibly, and within the boundaries of the law.