Indian Man Walks Into Hospital Holding Snake That Bit Him

A 48-year-old man from Bihar, India, stunned onlookers when he arrived at a hospital with a venomous Russell’s viper wrapped around his neck. Prakash Mandal, a resident of Mirachak village, walked into Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College and Hospital (JLNMCH) on 15 October 2024 after the snake bit him on his right hand.

Witnesses were taken aback as Mr. Mandal confidently gripped the snake by its neck. He had caught the reptile shortly after being bitten while returning home from the Ganga River bank.

In a video that has since gone viral, patients and medical staff expressed shock and fear as he made his way through the emergency ward, clutching the snake tightly.

Hospital Staff Fearful of the Snake

According to Times of India, upon entering the hospital, staff initially hesitated to provide treatment, fearing the snake could escape and cause harm. Doctors advised Mr. Mandal to release the reptile, but he refused, insisting on keeping it for identification purposes. To prevent the venom from spreading, he had tied a cloth around his arm to restrict blood flow.

While laying on a stretcher, he continued to hold onto the snake. Hospital superintendent Dr. K.K. Sinha stated, “We have administered him anti-venom serum and provided necessary treatment in the emergency ward.” Doctors monitored his condition closely, noting that he was “partially stable” upon admission.

Quick Action, Delayed Treatment

To prevent the venom from spreading, Mandal tied a cloth around his arm to restrict blood flow. Despite being in severe pain, he continued holding the snake while lying on the hospital floor.

He refused to release it, delaying his treatment. Only after much persuasion, and trapping of the snake did Mandal let go of the serpent, allowing doctors to administer anti-venom serum.

Russell’s Viper: A Deadly Predator

Russell’s vipers are among India’s most dangerous snakes, responsible for numerous fatalities. Part of India’s “Big Four” venomous snakes, the Russell’s viper is common in flood-affected regions like Bhagalpur.

Recent floods in Bihar have increased the likelihood of snake encounters, with dangerous wildlife frequently spotted in the area.

Prakash Mandal’s Current Condition

JLNMCH superintendent Dr. K.K. Sinha reported that Mandal arrived in critical condition but has since stabilized. He remains under close observation as the medical team monitors his progress. Despite the severity of the bite, Mandal’s quick decision to seek immediate help, although unconventional, may have saved his life.

This incident highlights the unique challenges hospitals face when dealing with snakebites in areas prone to such encounters.

Watch the video here: