"Soaking in the Ganges Will Heal You" Tragedy as 13-Year-Old Boy Dies After 12 Hours

In India, a teenage boy died after being bitten by a snake and relying on a folk remedy that claimed "soaking in river water removes the venom," instead of receiving hospital treatment.

Ganges River in India. Photo by Getty Images Bank

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Recently, The Times of India reported that "a 13-year-old boy in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, died after following a folk remedy of immersing himself in the Ganges River for a long time after being bitten by a snake."

According to the report, the victim informed his family immediately after the snakebite. However, instead of taking him directly to the hospital, the family reportedly sought out a practitioner of ritualistic healing.

They followed the belief that "soaking in river water removes the venom," and kept the boy submerged in the water of the Ganges River for about 12 hours. As a result, treatment was delayed and the boy's condition gradually worsened.

Ultimately, the boy died without receiving appropriate medical care. Dr. Shashank Chaudhary, head of the local health center, stated, "If the child had been brought to the hospital in time, he could have been saved," adding, "The cause of this incident was a lack of health awareness and faith in superstitions."

He also emphasized, "Immediate treatment is necessary for snakebites, and administering antivenom promptly is highly effective."

After news of the incident spread, there has been criticism within the local community that relying on folk remedies led to this tragedy.

Local police have launched an investigation.

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