A tantrik (occult practitioner) was seen “treating” a 30-year-old snakebite victim at a hospital in Barwani, Madhya Pradesh, on Wednesday. In the video, the victim lies on a hospital bed with an IV in one arm while the man, dressed in a pink shirt, saffron sarong, and turban, performs rituals with leaves. The footage, recorded at Barwani District Hospital, is being widely shared on social media.
His family quickly took him first to the Pati Community Health Centre for initial care and then to Barwani District Hospital for advanced treatment.
Alongside the medical care provided by doctors, Rakesh’s family called in Railainga Maharaj, a local tantrik, to “exorcise” the venom. Maharaj, a resident of Antarsabha village, was seen performing rituals that involved chanting mantras and blowing into Rakesh’s ears. Onlookers were both astonished and bewildered as he spread neem leaves and jowar seeds on the hospital bed as part of his attempts to “remove the poison.”
Despite Rakesh’s deteriorating condition, hospital staff permitted the tantrik to continue his practices, raising concerns about the influence of superstition in a medical environment. Fortunately, Rakesh’s condition has since stabilized, and he is expected to make a full recovery.
Increasing snakebite cases
In India, snakebites represent a significant public health concern, leading to 58,000 deaths each year, which is the highest rate in the world.
An analysis conducted in Madhya Pradesh from 2020 to 2022 indicated that the state government compensated around $28 million each year for 2,846 snakebite deaths, a stark contrast to the official count of just 330. This discrepancy suggests that approximately 5,200 deaths may actually occur annually. Despite advancements in research, the lack of adequate medical infrastructure in rural areas impedes effective treatment for snakebites. Additionally, poor storage and handling of antivenom often compromise its effectiveness.
This unusual incident underscores the stark difference between modern medical practices and the enduring traditional beliefs that continue to exist in some rural areas of India.
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