A professional snake rescuer died after being bitten by a venomous cobra he had earlier rescued in Guna district, Madhya Pradesh, India.
The deceased, Deepak Mahawar, aged 42, had responded to a report of a cobra sighting in Barbatpura village. According to local sources, he successfully captured the snake. Shortly afterwards, he received a call from his son's school requesting he collect the child.
Mahawar placed the rescued cobra around his neck and proceeded to the school. Eyewitnesses reported seeing him en route, with many recording the incident on their mobile phones.
Upon returning home with his son, the cobra bit Mahawar on the hand, rendering him unconscious. He was taken to hospital and, after receiving initial treatment, was discharged when his condition appeared to stabilise.
However, his health deteriorated during the night and he died despite efforts to revive him.
Mahawar was known for rescuing hundreds of snakes from residential areas and releasing them into the wild. He was widely respected for his work in wildlife rescue and awareness.
