Bhubaneswar: In a shocking incident, a snake catcher allegedly died after being bitten by a venomous cobra at Champamala village under Birmaharajpur police limits in Subarnapur district on Monday.
The deceased has been identified as Goura Kumbhar of Mendhamala village.
Though not trained, Kumbhar was known for rescuing snakes and releasing them in forests in his village and neighbouring villages. He had been rescuing snakes from residential premises for the last 15 years. And, he never demanded anything in return of his service, sources said.
Upon being informed by a villager of Champamala, Kumbhar rescued a cobra from his residence and kept the reptile in a plastic container.
After rescuing the snake, he visited Birmaharajpur police station for some work. He showed the snake by taking it out from the plastic container to some police personnel and others. He was keeping it inside the jar when the poisonous snake bit him due to his carelessness.
Kumbhar was rushed to Subarnapur District Headquarters Hospital in a police van. He, however, died while undergoing treatment.
