Archive · 26 Aug 2026
Mitra Institution Student Remains Under Observation After Suspected Snakebite
A seven-year-old boy named Dripta was bitten by a snake at his school.
The bite happened on his left arm during the morning break.
He was taken to SSKM Hospital and given anti-venom medicine.
Doctors moved him to the children’s intensive care unit to watch him closely.
They think the snake may have been a Russell’s viper, but no snake was found at the school.
Dripta will be watched for two or three more days.
Wildlife officials told the school to remove clutter and check places where snakes might hide.
They also said school staff should inspect the buildings before children arrive.
Seven-year-old Class I student Dripta Paul was bitten on the left arm at Mitra Institution in Bhowanipore around 8:45 a.m. Monday.
Dripta received anti-venom at SSKM Hospital and was shifted to the paediatric intensive care unit.
Doctors suspect a hemotoxic snake, possibly a Russell’s viper, but forest officials found no snake during inspections on Monday and Tuesday.
SSKM Hospital said Dripta would remain under observation for another two to three days, or about 48 hours after the initial 24-hour period.
A state wildlife rescue team recommended cleaning clutter, monitoring wet areas, trimming branches and checking the school before children enter.
- Who
- Seven-year-old Dripta Paul, a Class I student at Mitra Institution, was bitten; school staff, SSKM Hospital doctors and state wildlife officials responded.
- What
- Dripta suffered a suspected venomous snakebite, received anti-venom and was placed under observation in the paediatric intensive care unit.
- When
- The bite occurred around 8:45 a.m. on Monday; hospital officials said on Tuesday that he would need observation for another two to three days.
- Where
- The incident occurred at Mitra Institution in Bhowanipore, and Dripta was treated at SSKM Hospital.
- Why
- According to his father, Dripta entered a storeroom and picked up the snake after mistaking it for a rope.
Family’s Concerns
School and Officials’ Responses
School cleanliness and possible negligence
Family’s Concerns
Dripta’s father alleged negligence and said waste and debris should not be left in places accessible to children.
School and Officials’ Responses
A school official said repair work was under way, the debris was near an abandoned room, and the room was locked and did not contain a large heap.
Whether the snake was a Russell’s viper
Family’s Concerns
Hospital authorities suspected a hemotoxic snake in the Russell’s viper category based on the case.
School and Officials’ Responses
Forest officials found no snake during two inspections, while herpetologist Anirban Chaudhuri said it was highly unlikely that a Russell’s viper had been found in Bhowanipore.
- Student
- Dripta Paul, seven years old and in Class I
- Hospital condition
- Under observation in the paediatric intensive care unit
- Treatment
- Anti-venom was administered at SSKM Hospital
- Suspected snake
- A hemotoxic snake, possibly a Russell’s viper
- Observation period
- Doctors said he should be monitored for another two to three days
- Inspection result
- Forest officials found no snake during inspections on Monday and Tuesday
- Safety recommendations
- Keep areas free of clutter, monitor wet spaces, trim branches and inspect the school before opening
