Palghar: Snake Rescuer’s Minor Daughter Dies After Indian Spectacled Cobra Bites Her Through Bedsheet

An eight-year-old girl died after being bitten by an Indian spectacled cobra while lying on a mattress with her elder sister at their home in Maharashtra's Palghar district. The incident took place on Sunday afternoon, August 3, in Varkunti village, where the snake reportedly bit the child through a bedsheet as the sisters watched videos on a mobile phone.

The victim, identified as Shravani Akshay Mandal, later complained of dizziness before being rushed to Palghar Government Hospital, where she died during treatment. Her nine-year-old sister, Aaradhya, who was beside her at the time, was not injured. Venomous Russell's Viper Rescued From Mumbai's BKC Metro Station Basement, Video Surfaces.

Girl Dies as Cobra Bit Child Through Bedsheet

According to the family, Shravani and her sister were resting on a mattress while watching videos on a mobile phone when the snake bit her through the bedsheet.

The child did not immediately realise she had been bitten. She later began feeling dizzy and unwell before informing her grandmother about her condition. The girl's father, who was working at a nearby farm, was informed and returned home. Snake Slithers Across Car Windshield on Mumbai-Pune Expressway, Rescued Safely (Watch Video).

The family reportedly took some time to arrange transportation to Palghar Government Hospital. Although Shravani remained conscious for some time, she started vomiting on the way. Doctors examined her after she reached the hospital, but she could not be saved.

Father Clarifies He Was Not Keeping the Snake

Shravani's father, who has previously worked as a snake rescuer, clarified that he had stopped rescuing snakes about six months ago. He also said the cobra involved in the incident was not one that he had rescued or kept before release.

Experts Warn Against Unsafe Snake Content on Social Media

The incident has renewed concerns over the growing number of social media videos showing children and untrained individuals handling venomous snakes. Wildlife experts say such content often prioritises online engagement over safety and conservation, encouraging risky imitation.

Priyanka Kadam, President and Founder of the Snakebite Healing and Education Society and a member of the World Health Organization's roster of experts on snakebite envenoming, said: "Most so-called snake rescuers are untrained handlers who prioritise social media content over scientific rescue practices and animal welfare. Under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, handling native wildlife without authorisation is illegal, yet platforms are flooded with stunt videos featuring venomous snakes that generate significant income and inspire copycat behaviour. The disturbing trend of involving young children in such content has already had tragic consequences. This is a wake-up call for stricter enforcement of wildlife laws, responsible social media policies, and greater public awareness about respecting and conserving wildlife."

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 04, 2026 01:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).