Snakebite kills 2 in Nilphamari

A young man and a teenage girl have died after being bitten by venomous snakes in Kishoreganj upazila of Nilphamari. In one case, relatives called in a faith healer to perform rituals on the dead body for a prolonged period, believing that the deceased might come back to life through spiritual healing.

Kishoreganj Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Abdur Gafur confirmed the incidents on Friday.

The deceased were identified as Bijoy Roy, 20, son of Bipul Roy of Jurabandha Malipara in Borovita Union, and Luna, daughter of Abdur Rahim of Baidhyapara village in Bahagili Union.

According to locals and family members, Bijoy attended a local performance of Manasa Gan on Friday night (August 7). During a snake-handling performance intended to entertain the audience, a venomous snake bit him on the hand.

After returning home, he fell seriously ill and was taken to Kishoreganj Upazila Health Complex. As his condition deteriorated, he was referred to Rangpur Medical College Hospital, where he died while undergoing treatment on Thursday night.