Snake being used as prop bites actress during live performance, Kalidasi Mondal dies as 'ojha' wastes precious time

A 63-year-old performer died after a live snake being used as a prop in a 'jatra' bit her during the show in North 24 Parganas district, police said on Wednesday. According to reports, instead of seeking immediate medical help, she was rushed to an 'ojha' (faith healer) who tried to cure which resulted in the loss of precious time. The incident occurred at Barunhat village in Hasnabad police station area on Tuesday night.

After the snake bit Kalidasi Mondal, she was taken to hospital where she was declared brought dead, police said.

A co-actress of Mondal, however, alleged that after the incident, an 'ojha' tried to cure her but failed.

Mondal was taken to the local primary health centre but she had died by then, she said.

According to a report in  India Today, the victim used to enact every year with a plastic snake, however, this time she opted to play the role with two real snakes.

People in many parts of the country believe that an 'ojha' can cure a snake bite case by chanting 'mantra' and using herbs.

The police said nobody lodged any complaint yet on this but they are investigating the incident.

The snake was needed in the 'jatra' (rural theatre) as it was based on 'Manasamangal Kavya', a mediaval era literature that narrates the story of how snake goddess Manasa establishes her worship in Bengal.

Basirhat police district SP, S Rajkumar, confirmed the incident and said the body has been sent for post-mortem examination.

(with agency inputs)