A dramatic scene unfolded at a district hospital in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura when a snakebite victim showed up with the cobra still alive in his pocket.
In an incident that left both medical staff and patients in shock, a local e-rickshaw driver, Deepak Rajput, walked into the emergency ward of a district hospital on Tuesday clutching a live cobra that had bitten him minutes earlier.
The driver, who hails from the Mathura bypass area, reportedly tucked the snake into his jacket pocket and made his way to the hospital — terrified yet determined to show doctors the exact creature responsible for his bite.
The Cobra Commotion
According to eyewitnesses, Deepak entered the hospital in distress, holding the venomous cobra in his hand and pleaded, “Doctor, please treat me; this one has bitten me.” Panic quickly spread as doctors, hospital staff, and patients scrambled to maintain a safe distance.
Hospital authorities immediately alerted local police. Responding swiftly, the officers helped calm Deepak down and secured the snake inside a safe containment box to avoid further danger.
How the Bite Happened
Police officials confirmed that Deepak was on his way to Vrindavan to pick up a replacement battery for his e-rickshaw when the cobra suddenly slithered onto his vehicle and bit his finger. He managed to catch the snake, driven by the belief that doctors needed to see the actual snake species to administer the right treatment.
“I’ve Survived This Before”
Despite the terrifying experience, Deepak claimed that this wasn’t his first encounter with venomous creatures. “I’ve been bitten by snakes and scorpions before,” he told local media. “But how would doctors know if it was a jungle or water snake unless I brought it with me?”
He added that he abandoned his vehicle out of fear and urgency, believing any delay could worsen his condition.
Treatment and Recovery
Dr. Sushil Kumar, who was on duty at the emergency ward, confirmed that once the cobra was safely contained, Deepak’s treatment began immediately. The patient’s condition is said to be stable, and he remains under observation.
“His vitals are being monitored. He was lucky to have reacted quickly and sought help,” said Dr. Kumar.
A Wake-Up Call
The bizarre episode has reignited conversations around snakebite awareness and emergency preparedness, especially in semi-urban and rural parts of India where encounters with snakes are not uncommon.
Local authorities have advised residents never to handle venomous snakes themselves and to contact wildlife rescue services or local authorities instead.
