Bitten by a snake, Valuka's Abdul Kader catches it alive and takes it to hospital — tests show it was not venomous

Abdul Kader, 50, a resident of Angargara village in Bhaluka upazila of Mymensingh, went to hospital after being bitten by a snake — carrying the live snake he had caught himself. The incident happened at around 8:45pm on Thursday (29 October).

According to Abdul Kader, a snake bit him at around 7:30pm on Thursday while he was returning home from Angargara market. He then switched on his mobile phone's light, searched out the snake and eventually caught it.

He called local people, and with their help put the snake into a plastic sack. He then hurried to the Sakhipur Upazila Health Complex. He came there for treatment because the Angargara area is close to Sakhipur.

As news spread that Abdul Kader had arrived at the hospital with a live snake, curious onlookers gathered there. A video of the incident spread on Facebook, drawing further attention. His relatives later called in a snake charmer, who came and took the snake away.

Selim Kabir, sub-assistant community medical officer at the emergency department of Sakhipur Upazila Health Complex, said: 'I was amazed to see the man's courage. He caught a live snake and brought it to the hospital.'

Selim Kabir said examinations showed the snake was not venomous, so Abdul Kader did not need to be given antivenom. He has, however, been kept in hospital under observation.

He added: 'If someone is bitten by a snake, they should come to hospital quickly without delay. Trying to catch the snake is even more dangerous and can backfire.'