Gaya: In a tragic incident from Misir Bigha village under Atri block in Bihar's Gaya district, two cousins died after being bitten by a venomous krait snake. Nine-year-old Little Kumar, son of Krishna Manjhi, and 11-year-old Buddhu Kumar, son of Chauthi Manjhi, were sleeping on a mat in their thatched house when a five-foot-long krait snake bit them early Sunday morning.

Following the snakebite, family members opted for traditional remedies (Jhaad-phoonk) instead of seeking immediate medical help, leading to a crucial delay. When the children's condition deteriorated, they were rushed to Magadh Medical College Hospital. Little Kumar succumbed to the bite on the way to the hospital, while Buddhu Kumar died during treatment at the hospital. Both children could not be saved due to the lack of timely anti-venom and proper medical intervention.

Little Kumar was an orphan, being cared for by his aunt, Maro Devi, as her own son. Maro Devi stated that the snake suddenly entered their thatched house and bit both sleeping children. The incident plunged the family into mourning, and villagers later killed the snake. This tragedy underscores the urgent need to raise awareness about snake hazards and the importance of prompt medical assistance in rural areas, especially in homes where people sleep on the ground.