In a strange event that has everyone talking, a man in Mathura, Uttar Pradesh, got bitten by a cobra snake. Instead of just going to the hospital, he caught the snake and brought it with him. This happened on Monday, and now the story is all over the internet. The man’s name is Deepak, he is 39 years old, and he drives an e-rickshaw for a living. He was on his way to Vrindavan to get a new battery for his rickshaw when the snake bit him near PMB Polytechnic College. The road between Mathura and Vrindavan is where it all started. Deepak did not panic right away. He grabbed the 1.5-foot-long cobra and put it in his jacket pocket. Then he rushed to the district hospital for help. People at the hospital were shocked when he pulled out the live snake to show the doctors. It caused a big mess, with patients and staff running away in fear. Police had to come and put the snake in a plastic box. After that, doctors gave Deepak anti-venom medicine, and now he is doing fine.
This kind of thing shows how people in rural parts of India sometimes handle snake bites in their own way. They think bringing the snake will help doctors know what to do. But experts say it is very dangerous. We will look into what happened, why it matters, and what we can learn from it.
How the Incident Happened
Deepak was driving his e-rickshaw on the busy road from Mathura to Vrindavan. It was a normal day for him. He needed a new battery, so he was heading there. Near PMB Polytechnic College, something moved and bit his finger. It was a cobra, a very poisonous snake common in this area. Cobras have a hood that spreads out when they are angry, and this one was about 1.5 feet long. Deepak knew it was bad. Snake bites can kill if not treated fast. But instead of letting the snake go, he caught it. He thought the doctors would need to see it to give the right medicine. So, he tucked the snake into his jacket pocket and went straight to the district hospital in Mathura.
When he got there, the emergency ward was full, like always in government hospitals. Deepak waited, but he was getting angry because no one was helping him quick enough. His finger was hurting, and he was scared. He started shouting that he needed treatment right now. Someone asked him where the snake was. That’s when he reached into his jacket and pulled out the hissing cobra. The snake was alive and moving. Everyone saw the hood open up, and panic started. Patients screamed and ran. Hospital staff dropped what they were doing and hid. It was like a scene from a movie, but real.
One witness said, “We were waiting for our turn when this man pulled out a snake. I thought it was a joke at first, but then it moved. Everyone just ran away.” The chaos went on until the police came. They caught the snake and put it in a safe plastic box. After that, the doctors could focus on Deepak. They gave him anti-venom, which is the medicine to fight the poison. Now, he is stable and recovering.
Chief Medical Superintendent Neeraj Agrawal told reporters, “Deepak, who is 39, was bitten by the snake on Monday. He came to the hospital for an anti-venom injection.” He added that bringing the snake was not needed. The doctors can treat based on symptoms, and it’s risky to carry a live snake.
What Happened at the Hospital
The district hospital in Mathura is a busy place. It serves many people from nearby villages. When Deepak showed the snake, it was in the emergency ward. Videos of the event are now viral on social media. In one video, you can see Deepak holding the cobra by its head, showing it to the staff. The snake is trying to bite, but he holds it tight. People are shouting and moving back. Some are laughing in shock, others are scared.
The police were called fast. They came and took control. They put the snake in a box and later let it go in a safe place, maybe with help from forest officials. No one else got hurt, which is good. But the event shows how hospitals need to be ready for odd things like this.
Doctors say Deepak was lucky. The bite was on his finger, and he got to the hospital in time. If he had waited longer, it could have been worse. Cobra poison affects the nerves and can stop breathing. Anti-venom is the only way to save someone.
A hospital staff member, who did not want to give his name, said, “We see snake bite cases often, but no one brings the snake alive. It was scary, but funny too.”
Deepak’s Condition and Recovery
After the snake was taken away, doctors treated Deepak. They gave him the anti-venom shot. He is now stable, meaning he is out of danger. He might have to stay in the hospital for a few days to make sure there are no problems. Snake bites can cause swelling, pain, and sometimes long-term issues like damage to the hand.
Deepak told a local newspaper that he was going to Vrindavan for the battery when the snake bit him. He caught it because he thought it would help the doctors. In rural areas, people often believe that showing the snake is important. But doctors say it’s not. They can tell from the bite marks and symptoms what kind of snake it was.
His family is happy he is okay. One relative said, “We were worried when we heard about the snake. But he is brave.”
Public Reaction and Online Buzz
The story went viral fast. Videos are shared on X, Facebook, and other sites. People are calling Deepak a “legend” or “brave man.” One post on X said, “Legends of India 😂” with the video. Another said, “This is why India is unique. Man brings proof to hospital!”
But some people are saying it’s risky. “Don’t try this at home,” one comment read. The event has made people laugh and think. It shows how in small towns, people do things their way.
From X posts, many are sharing the video with hashtags like #Mathura #SnakeBite #Cobra. It’s getting thousands of views.
Snake Bites in India: A Big Problem
Snake bites are common in India, especially in rural places like Uttar Pradesh. Every year, about 45,900 people die from snake bites in the country. Uttar Pradesh has the highest number, around 8,700 deaths a year. Most happen in villages during the rainy season, from June to September. Farmers and workers like Deepak are at risk because they work outside.
There are four main poisonous snakes in India: cobra, krait, Russell’s viper, and saw-scaled viper. They are called the “Big Four.” Cobra bites are painful and can cause death if not treated.
In Uttar Pradesh, many cases are in areas like Mathura, where fields and roads have snakes. People often go to traditional healers first, which delays treatment. This makes things worse.
The government has programs to help. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming gives free anti-venom in hospitals. But awareness is low.
Why Bringing the Snake is Dangerous
Experts say do not bring live snakes to hospitals. It’s risky for everyone. The snake can bite again or escape. Doctors can treat without seeing the snake. They look at the bite and symptoms.
A snake expert from WHO said, “Many snakebites go unreported because people seek treatment from non-medical sources.” Better to go straight to hospital.
In similar cases, like in Madhya Pradesh last year, a family brought a cobra in a sack, causing panic. It’s not new, but not safe.
Forest officials say if you see a snake, leave it alone. Call experts to remove it.
Expert Advice on Handling Snake Bites
If bitten by a snake, stay calm. Do not run or panic, as it spreads the poison faster. Tie a cloth above the bite, but not too tight. Wash the area with water. Go to hospital fast.
Do not cut the bite or suck the poison. That’s old advice and harmful.
Dr. Mohapatra, a snake bite expert, said, “To save lives, reduce delays in getting to hospital and ensure anti-venom is available.”
In Bihar and UP, motorbikes are good for quick transport.
Similar Incidents in India
This is not the first time. In Betul, Madhya Pradesh, a family brought a cobra in a sack after a bite. Panic happened there too. In Guna, a snake rescuer died from a cobra bite.
In Hyderabad, a drunk driver had a snake, but that was different.
These stories show the need for education.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Such Events
Government should teach people about snake bites in schools and villages. Have more anti-venom in hospitals. Train doctors better.
People should wear boots in fields and use lights at night.
NGOs can help with awareness camps.
FAQs
What exactly happened in Mathura?
An e-rickshaw driver named Deepak, 39, was bitten by a 1.5-foot cobra near PMB Polytechnic College on the Mathura-Vrindavan road. He caught the snake, put it in his jacket, and went to the district hospital. Frustrated by the wait, he showed the live snake, causing panic. Police secured it, and doctors gave him anti-venom. He is stable now.
Why did Deepak bring the live snake to the hospital?
He thought doctors needed to see the snake to give the right treatment. In rural areas, people believe this helps identify if it’s poisonous. But experts say it’s not necessary and very dangerous.
Is bringing a snake to the hospital common in India?
Not very common, but it happens sometimes in rural places. Similar cases were reported in Madhya Pradesh where families brought snakes. It causes panic and risks more bites.
What are the symptoms of a cobra bite?
Pain, swelling, trouble breathing, blurred vision. If not treated, it can lead to death. Go to hospital immediately.
How many people die from snake bites in India each year?
About 45,900 people die every year. Uttar Pradesh has around 8,700 deaths, the highest. Most in rural areas during monsoon.
What should you do if bitten by a snake?
Stay calm, tie a loose bandage above the bite, wash with water, and rush to hospital. Do not cut or suck the wound. Avoid traditional healers.
Is anti-venom available in all hospitals?
In government hospitals, yes, under national programs. But sometimes shortages happen in remote areas.