In Pandua, Jharkhand, India, Santosh Lohar retaliated against a snake that attacked him during a nap by biting it to neutralize the venom. The 35-year-old grabbed the reptile with an iron rod and bit it twice, citing a local belief that this action prevents death from snakebite.
Lohar explained to India Today that in his village, there’s a superstition that biting the snake back twice neutralizes its venom and prevents fatal consequences.
The specific type of snake involved in the incident has not been identified. After the attack, Lohar was promptly taken to a nearby hospital where he received an anti-venom antidote. He was discharged the following day.
India hosts nearly 300 snake species, with over 60 known for their high venom potency, including the Indian Cobra, Russell’s viper, common krait, and saw-scaled viper.
