A bizarre and unsettling incident from Jharkhand's Chatra district has left an entire community stunned. In the Kunda block, a man chewed and swallowed two live snakes before walking straight into a hospital carrying the carcass of a third snake in his hand. Doctors and health workers at the community health centre were left speechless for a while after witnessing the scene. The episode has since become the talk of the area, and the man's wife has now revealed what actually drove him to it.
What happened in Kunda block
The incident took place in Barwadih village under Kunda block headquarters, where 45-year-old Budhan Bharti, son of Boudh Bharti, carried out the entire act. Budhan caught two live snakes that had emerged near his house and ate them alive by chewing them. Still not satisfied, he then prepared to chew a third snake in the same manner. At that exact moment, family members spotted him and raised an alarm, managing to stop him just in time. Following this, Budhan killed the third snake and carried its body straight to the Pratappur Community Health Centre. The moment he pulled out the dead snake in front of doctors, panic broke out at the facility.
Wife reveals the role of alcohol
As soon as he reached the hospital, doctors began his treatment and examination immediately. The most shocking revelation in the case came from Budhan's wife. She told doctors that her husband had indeed chewed and eaten two live snakes, and that immediately afterwards he had consumed a large quantity of alcohol. According to her, it was this severe intoxication combined with a strange fit of madness that pushed him into carrying out this life-threatening act. Her account left even the medical staff taken aback, since such a dangerous act would be highly unusual for someone in a normal state of mind.
No venom effect found in medical examination
Dr. Kumar Sanjeev, the in-charge medical officer of Pratappur Community Health Centre, said this was the first and strangest case of its kind in his entire career. The medical team acted swiftly and examined Budhan closely, since swallowing live snakes always carries the risk of venom spreading through the body. Relief came when the examination showed no effect of snake venom in his system. With the venom not having spread, Budhan Bharti's health condition is currently reported to be completely normal, though doctors are continuing to monitor him closely to rule out any complications later.
Health officials' appeal to the public
Following the incident, the medical officer in charge made a clear appeal to the public to stay away from such life-threatening and risky acts. The step taken under the influence of alcohol could have turned fatal at any moment, since biting or handling live snakes always carries the risk of venom spreading through the body. The incident now stands as a stark warning about the dangers of intoxication and reckless, superstition-driven behaviour in the region.
