13-Year-Old Dies After Family Submerges Him in Water for 12 Hours on Advice of 'Witch Doctor' Following Snake Bite

Uttar Pradesh: A 13-year-old boy died after his family, acting on the instructions of a 'witch doctor', kept him submerged in the Ganga river for 12 hours instead of seeking medical treatment for a snake bite. The tragedy, which has drawn widespread outrage, is being seen as a grim reminder of the deadly consequences of superstition and the denial of timely medical care.

The victim, Amit, a Class 4 student from Pitampur village, was bitten by a snake on Thursday evening. Though the boy informed his family immediately, they chose to consult a 'witch doctor' rather than take him to a hospital.

Following his directions, the family tied Amit to bamboo poles and kept him immersed in the Ganga river, believing the river would cure him. The family waited 12 hours, acting on the assurance that the sacred river would heal the boy. It was only when Amit showed no signs of movement after the prolonged immersion that his family finally rushed him to a hospital — by which time it was too late. The boy was declared dead.

In a further shocking development, national media reported that once the family realised Amit had died, they attempted to throw his body into the Ganga river.

Dr. Shashank Chaudhary of the local health centre confirmed that Amit was never brought to a government hospital at any point after the snake bite. "We do conduct awareness drives telling people to rush snake bite victims to hospital immediately," he said, adding that the family's decision to pursue superstitious treatment instead was the direct cause of the boy's death.

Snake bite is a treatable medical emergency when anti-venom is administered promptly. Delay in reaching a hospital — typically beyond a few hours — significantly increases the risk of fatality.

Amit is survived by three siblings. His death has reignited calls for stronger action against those who promote and profit from dangerous superstitious practices.