Youth Dies After Being Bitten By Cobra As Daredevil Act Proves Fatal

Mumbai: A daredevil act proved costly for a youth from Belapur, Maharashtra. Somnath Mhatre (21), a snake rescuer, who tried to kiss a cobra on its hood died after being bitten by the snake. Although he was rushed to hospital immediately, he succumbed to the bite on Sunday after struggling for life for few days.

The deceased, who has rescued over 100 snakes, was asked by locals at Navi Mumbai’s CBD Belapur to trap a cobra. Somnath after rescuing the cobra took to a secluded place and tried to take a photograph with cobra while he kisses on its hood but it proved fatal.

The deceased on his Facebook page has posted such risky stunts performed by him previously.

The incident has sparked outrage and the activists have called Forest Department to issue guidelines to take stern action against those who indulge in such stunts.

“Many youngsters try stunts with venomous snakes, like cobras and Russell's vipers and upload photos on social networking sites to become 'popular'. It will be ideal if wildlife rules and regulations are clearly spelled out to stop deadly stunts,” said an activist Sunish Subramanian.