Snake charmer hospitalised after cobra bite during rescue operation in Kushtia

A self-proclaimed snake charmer and traditional snakebite healer was hospitalized after being bitten by a cobra while attempting to capture the reptile in Kushtia's Bheramara upazila.

The incident took place around 10:00pm in the Baggari Para area of Golapnagar Union on Friday (July 18).

The injured, Imran Hossain, 38, is a resident of Hirimadia Gorostan Para and is known locally for rescuing snakes. He also regularly shares snake-catching videos on social media.

Doctors said he is now out of danger after receiving antivenom treatment.

According to local sources, Imran was called to a house where a snake had been spotted a day after the homeowner's only son reportedly died from a snakebite. While digging near the house, he first recovered three baby snakes before attempting to capture an adult cobra. During the operation, the snake bit him above the knee.

He was rushed to Kushtia General Hospital, where doctors administered antivenom and other emergency treatment.

Speaking from the hospital, Imran said the cobra struck about a minute and a half after he had managed to pull it from its hiding place.

Following the incident, a visiting card circulated on social media showing Imran advertising himself not only as a snake rescuer and snakebite healer but also claiming to treat various complex and "hidden" diseases.

However, Resident Medical Officer Dr Iqbal Hasan urged the public not to rely on traditional healers in snakebite cases, stressing that immediate treatment at a government hospital remains the safest and most effective option.