Overview

• Deepak Mahavar was bitten when the cobra he had just caught was looped around his neck as he raced to pick up his son and died overnight after initial signs of recovery
• A clip of him making a social media “reel” with the cobra draped over his shoulders has drawn widespread attention
• Police in Guna district registered a case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding his fatal bite
• His death leaves his two sons, ages 12 and 14, orphaned and has sparked community grief
• Officials and residents are urging the expansion of formal rescue teams, better training and protective equipment to address rising monsoon snakebite risks