Pregnant Woman Dies From Snakebite in Odisha; Family Assaults Doctor Over Negligence Allegations

A pregnant woman identified as 28-year-old Vandana Mandal, who was eight months pregnant, died following a snakebite in Malkangiri district, Odisha. She was brought to the district hospital on Tuesday night after the bite and was administered anti-venom treatment. Hospital authorities discharged her after initial care, but her condition deteriorated and she was readmitted. She died during subsequent treatment.

Family members and villagers accused doctors of releasing her prematurely. The incident sparked outrage, with relatives assaulting Dr Sidharth Bhol, who was on duty. Social media videos showed the angry crowd dragging the doctor from a room and tearing his clothes while he attempted to defend himself. Police were deployed to control the situation. The deceased's family has demanded a high-level inquiry into her death.