Bengaluru, September 3, 2025 — A 41-year-old software engineer, Manju Prakash, died after being bitten by a juvenile Russell’s viper that had hidden inside his footwear at his Bengaluru, Bannerghatta home. The incident occurred on Saturday morning when he slipped on his Crocs to go out without realizing the snake was inside.
Family Members reported that after returning home he went into room and slept off. After a worker alerted the family about the snake in the footwear, they rushed inside to find Manju Prakash with foam and blood running from nose. Even though he was rushed to the hospital. he was declared brough dead. The family allege he couldn't have known the sensation of the snake bite due to a loss of nerves in the area from an accident in 2016.
Wildlife rescuers confirmed that the snake was a juvenile Russell’s viper, about one foot in length. Experts noted that smaller vipers can sometimes inject proportionally more venom than adults. Snake rescuers in Bengaluru cautioned that cobras and Russell’s vipers often take refuge inside shoes and closed slippers in search of warmth, particularly during the breeding season and monsoon rains.
The Russell’s viper (Daboia russelii) is one of the “Big Four” snakes in India responsible for the majority of fatal bites [1]. Its venom is hemotoxic, meaning it damages blood cells and blood vessels, leading to excessive bleeding, clotting disorders, kidney failure, and tissue damage. Even a juvenile viper can deliver venom potent enough to cause rapid deterioration if treatment is delayed.
Russell’s viper venom typically causes:
Severe pain and swelling at the bite site
Bleeding and clotting abnormalities
Drop in blood pressure
Renal complications
Shock, if untreated
The only definitive treatment is administration of polyvalent anti-snake venom (ASV) which is most effective when given promptly.
Footwear left outdoors is a common hiding spot for snakes, insects, spiders etc particularly during monsoon months when encounters are more frequent.
India records the world’s highest number of snakebite deaths, estimated at over 50,000 annually. As per the Central Bureau of Health Investigation (CBHI) reports (2016-2020), the average annual frequency of snakebite cases in India is around 3 lakhs and about 2000 deaths occur due to snakebite envenoming. Russell’s viper is responsible for a large proportion of these fatalities due to its widespread presence and the potency of its venom. Many deaths occur because victims either delay hospital treatment or lack immediate access to antivenom [1].
Health authorities and herpetologists advise simple precautions to reduce risk:
Always check shoes and slippers before wearing them.
Avoid walking barefoot, especially at night or in poorly lit areas.
Seek immediate hospital care if bitten, without relying on traditional remedies.
Keep surroundings free of clutter where snakes may hide.
Make sure the wound is below the heart level.
Keep the person calm and rush to the hospital.
Cover the wound with sterile loose bandage.
Remove shoes, tight clothing or any jewellery around it.
lie down the person with wound below the heart.
Avoid making teh wound larger or to try to suck the venom out.
Apply tourniquet or ice or water
Do not giev the pateint any medication, alcohol or other acffeineted drinks
The tragic death of Manju Prakash has once again highlighted the risks of accidental encounters with venomous snakes in urban and semi-urban areas. Experts urge public awareness campaigns on snakebite prevention and first aid, along with improved access to antivenom in hospitals.
Reference
1) Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India. “Union Health Ministry Launches National Action Plan for Prevention and Control of Snakebite Envenoming in India – An Initiative to Halve the Snakebite Deaths by 2030 through ‘One Health’ Approach.” Press Information Bureau, March 12, 2024. Accessed September 3rd, 2025. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2013803.