Snake man dies

King cobra's bite kills Kendrapada's snake man
TNN, Jun 24, 2010, 10.24pm IST

KENDRAPADA: Well known conservationist Rajkishore Pani (62), who earned the moniker of "Kendrapada's snake man" for rescuing over 4,000 reptiles, died after being bitten by a cobra at Garadapur village, about 25 km from here.

Villagers said Pani, who was credited with rescuing snakes, reptiles and wild animals in a career spanning over three decades, was bitten on Wednesday evening. "He had rescued a king cobra from a neighbour's brick kiln even as his son's marriage ceremony was going on. But the snake suddenly attacked him," said Sudhanshu Parida, secretary of the district unit of People for Animals.

"Pani was an active member of our organization and his death is very unfortunate," Parida added.

Villagers had rushed Pani to the district headquarters hospital after they found him lying semi-conscious and writhing in pain. But he succumbed in the hospital after a few minutes.

Villagers said people in and around the district always rushed to the "snake man" after encounters with reptiles and wild animals. ""He was an expert on reptiles, especially snakes. He even had emergency vaccines and a pump to remove poison at his home. Despite all precautions, we are sad that he met his end in this manner," said Nabaghan Nayak, a resident of Garadapur.

"The incident is akin to the death of famous Australian conservationist Steve Irwin in September 2006. Irwin was killed after he was attacked by a stingray while shooting for a TV programme undersea," Parida said.
During the floods, Pani had rescued nearly 500 snakes from different parts of the district and nearby areas. He had released them in the wild after treating them. Six months ago, he had to spend 10 days at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack after he was bitten by a snake.

The deceased conservationist had also brought out a booklet mapping the presence of snakes and other animals in Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district and its nearby areas. With the slogan, "Do not kill snakes", Pani had launched a snake conservation campaign in the district and educated many people about the reptile, said Amara Jena, a teacher in Kendrapada.

It is understandable when a snake bites a man. It is its habit and man should be cautious in handling them.

But there is another variety of snake that is completely unreliable. It will bite the hand that feeds it. They are found everywhere and the more famous variety are found in our Parliament and state assemblies.

The first variety are reptiles, they are defenseless and people like Rajkishore Pani protects them at the cost of their lives

The second variety are called politicians.
The Maoist are doing a favour to the country in trying to eradicate this plague. It is unfortunate that the security forces who are there to protect these politicians come in the cross-fire.
It is only when the Maoist kill the common man, under whatever excuse, are they committing an unpardonable crime.

The politicians are looting the country, I have no sympathy for them.