Tragic Death of 14-Year-Old Due to Superstition After Snake Bite

Incident Overview

In Mubarikpur, Amroha, a 14-year-old boy lost his life after being bitten by a snake while extracting fodder from a bog. His family, caught in the web of superstition, chose to perform rituals instead of seeking immediate medical help. They tied him to a tree in the Ganges for nearly seven hours before he succumbed to his injuries late Friday night.

Details of the Incident

Amit Kumar, the son of Jairam Singh from the village of Pithampur, was bitten by a snake around 5 PM on Thursday while working in the fields. He quickly lost consciousness. Instead of taking him directly to the hospital, his family opted for traditional healers in Sirsi and Syana, located in the Sambhal district and Bulandshahr, respectively.

Continued Superstitions

Despite their efforts, Amit's condition did not improve. The family continued to adhere to their beliefs, keeping him tied to a tree in the Ganges for seven hours. Tragically, when he did not regain consciousness, they performed a water burial in the river. Amit was the youngest among his siblings, with two brothers and two sisters, and was a seventh-grade student at a local school. His untimely death has left his family devastated.

Medical Insights

Dr. Shashank Chaudhary, the medical superintendent of the Community Health Center in Rahra, emphasized that not all snakes are venomous. He advised that in cases of snake bites, individuals should avoid superstitious practices and seek immediate medical attention. The family's decision to keep Amit in the river was merely a manifestation of their superstitions.