Keonjhar, Nov 22: In a dramatic turn of events, a man in Keonjhar district not only survived a snake bite but also carried the snake with him to the hospital after being attacked while defecating near a pond on Saturday morning.

The victim, identified as Maheswar Munda, was immediately rushed to Bhanda Community Health Centre before being shifted to the Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital as his condition deteriorated.

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Recounting the incident, Maheswar said he initially mistook the bite for an ant sting before realising it was a snake. “When I went to the toilet, it felt that some ant had bitten me from behind. I was shocked to see the snake. But I got hold of myself and caught the snake. Later, I brought it to the hospital,” he said.

Doctors at the local health centre said the patient reached the facility nearly six hours after being bitten, well past the crucial treatment window.

“We have administered anti-snake venom to him. He has been referred to Keonjhar District Headquarters Hospital as his pulse rate is deteriorating. The patient was admitted after 5-6 hours of the snakebite, surpassing the golden four-hour period,” said Dr Debashish Bahinipati.