Snakebite Patient Subjected to ‘Tantra-Mantra’ Ritual at Bihar Hospital During Antivenom Treatment

Madhepura, September 1, 2026: A 35-year-old woman who was receiving treatment for a snakebite at Madhepura Sardar Hospital in Bihar was allegedly subjected to a tantra-mantra ritual inside the hospital premises. She was later treated with antivenom by Doctors.

The woman, Manju Devi from Shrinagar village in Ghailadh block, was bitten on her right hand by a snake while she was sleeping on the night of August 29th.

Her family initially took her to a PHC (Primary Healthcare Center), but she was referred to Madhepura Sardar Hospital because the treatment for the snakebite was not properly available.

During her treatment, the family reportedly took Devi out of the hospital’s red zone and seated her near the medicine counter in the OPD (Outpatient Department) area. According to Dainik Bhaskar, Mahendra Tanti and another man from the village then performed tantra-mantra rituals around the patient.

The video of the ritual went viral after circulating on social media. 

After the ritual, when Devi’s condition showed no improvement, her family reportedly took her back to the hospital bed and continued her medical treatment. 

Also see: Odisha Woman Carries Russell's Viper to Hospital After Snakebite, Helping Doctors Identify Venomous Species

At Sardar Hospital, doctors admitted Devi to the red zone and began treatment. According to Dr. Mukesh Kumar, her condition stabilized after receiving 28 vials of antivenom. Danik Bhaska also reported that the doctor said her condition was stable and that she remained under medical observation.

Snakebite envenoming can cause serious complications, including paralysis that can affect breathing, bleeding disorders, kidney failure and tissue damage.

The WHO (World Health Organization) recommends taking people with suspected venomous snakebites to a healthcare facility without delay, where antivenom can be administered if necessary.

MedBound Times previously reported expert guidance from Dr. Hirakjyoti Kataki, an academic researcher specialising in snake venom and envenomation studies, who advised keeping the patient relaxed with minimal movement and rushing them straightaway to a healthcare facility. He also warned against cutting the wound, sucking out the venom, or applying a tourniquet. 

(Rh/MSM)