Man dies after family delays snake bite treatment for traditional healers in UP

A 27-year-old man died after his family took him to traditional healers for nearly 24 hours following a snake bite instead of seeking timely medical treatment in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh.

Rahul Kumar Prajapati, who lived in Gumthal village under the Baniather police station area of Chandausi tehsil in Sambhal district, was bitten by a snake in the early hours between Tuesday and Wednesday. According to family members, Rahul was sleeping in the courtyard of his house with his wife and two daughters at around 2:30 am when the snake bit him.

About one and a half hours after the snake bite, Rahul's condition began to deteriorate and his leg started swelling. The family members immediately took him to the Community Health Centre where he was given primary treatment. However, after the initial medical care, the family decided to take him to traditional healers, known as ojhas, in the Naraura area for faith-based treatment involving rituals and chanting.

It has been reported that Rahul's treatment with the ojhas continued for approximately 24 hours. As his condition became critical, he was brought back to the Chandausi Community Health Centre, but by that time he had already died.

Rahul earned his family's livelihood by driving an e-rickshaw. His death has left his wife and two young daughters without their father's support and protection. The grief-stricken family members brought the body home in a private ambulance, where the entire household was engulfed in mourning.

The family members said they would perform the last rites on Thursday evening. The family did not inform the police about the incident. However, the government hospital in Chandausi informed the local police station about the death caused by snake bite, as per protocol.