Madurai man, 22, dies of snake bite

Madurai: A 22-year-old man from Usilampatti died on Saturday after he was bitten by a poisonous snake in his garden. Officials and activists have urged the residents to be be cautious with rains lashing Madurai intermittently.

According to the police, N Mathankumar, who was working in highway department, was at his house at Kunjampatti on Saturday morning. When Manthankumar went to pick flowers from his garden, he was bitten by a poisonous snake. Though he was rushed to Usilampatti Government Hospital for treatment, he died shortly after without responding to treatment. Based on the complaint filed by the man’s father, a case has been registered at Usilampatti Taluk police station.

Officials and activists have urged the residents to be be cautious with rains lashing Madurai intermittently. “Those living especially on the outskirts of the city and villages must be cautious during rainy season when being in their garden or farms, especially during early morning or night. Further, delaying treatment for snake bites by brushing it off as insect bites must be avoided and any bites must be checked at once,” said P R Vishwanath, an animal activist.

A forest department official meanwhile said that so far, there have been no instances of snakes venturing in Madurai city areas. “However, usually by monsoon season, we do get more such calls. Public should be cautious,” he added.