Self-styled sarpamitra battling for life after bite by Russell’s Viper

 

A self-styled sarpamitra was bitten by a Russell’s Viper when his amateurish attempt to catch the highly poisonous snake failed at Gittikhadan on Saturday. The reptile bit him twice on his left hand. The ‘sarpamitra’, Umesh Madavi (27), is battling for his life at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGGMCH). According to information, Madavi was bitten by a Russell’s Viper twice on his left hand when he attempted to catch the reptile. Before collapsing unconscious, Madavi was rushed to IGGMCH where he is in intensive care.

 

Protected by law under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the Russell’s Viper attracts highest safeguarding and maximum penalties. The maximum penalty is 3 to 7 years of incarceration or a fine of Rs 10,000. Madavi is under medical observation for Russell’s Viper bite and his left hand is likely to be amputed by doctors if his condition deteriorates, the sources said.