Indore, Madhya Pradesh – A veteran police constable with 17 years of service lost his life on September 20, 2025, following a cobra bite incident at the First Battalion of State Armed Forces (SAF) premises in Indore. The incident has sparked important conversations about wildlife handling protocols within law enforcement agencies.
The Incident: What Happened at Sadar Bazaar
Constable Santosh Choudhary, 47, responded to reports of a snake sighting at a horse stable within the battalion compound around 9 PM. Known among his colleagues for his experience in snake handling, Choudhary approached the situation with confidence that would ultimately prove fatal.
According to eyewitness accounts, the constable successfully captured the cobra using his bare hands. What followed was a moment of celebration that quickly turned to tragedy – Choudhary posed for photographs with the venomous snake, holding it aloft while colleagues applauded his apparent success.
During this photo session, the cobra struck, biting Choudhary on his finger. The experienced officer’s immediate reaction was to attempt to flee while still gripping the snake, but the venom’s effects rapidly took hold.
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Emergency Response and Medical Treatment
A fellow officer immediately transported Choudhary to MY Hospital in Indore, where medical staff provided emergency treatment. Despite receiving first aid and medical intervention, the constable succumbed to the effects of the cobra’s venom during treatment.
The rapid progression of events highlights the serious nature of venomous snake bites and the critical importance of immediate, specialized medical care in such situations.
Social Media Impact and Viral Documentation
The incident was captured on video, which has since circulated widely across social media platforms. The footage shows Choudhary confidently retrieving the cobra from near a cupboard in the stable, lifting the snake, and attempting to pose for photographs just moments before the bite occurred.
This viral documentation has brought the incident to national attention, serving as a stark reminder of the risks associated with handling venomous wildlife without proper safety equipment and training.
Officer’s Background and Service Record
Santosh Choudhary had dedicated 17 years to law enforcement service with the State Armed Forces. A resident of Indore, he leaves behind his wife and two children – a son and a daughter. His colleagues remembered him as an officer willing to take on challenging situations, particularly those involving wildlife encounters.
The constable’s experience with snake handling, while notable among his peers, was gained through practical exposure rather than formal training in wildlife management or herpetology.
Safety Protocols and Training Gaps
This incident raises critical questions about the protocols in place for handling wildlife encounters within law enforcement settings. While police officers often encounter various emergency situations, wildlife handling requires specialized knowledge and equipment that may not be part of standard police training.
Experts in wildlife management emphasize that even experienced individuals should never attempt to handle venomous snakes without proper protective gear, specialized tools, and comprehensive training in snake behavior and safety procedures.
Official Response and Investigation
Police officials have confirmed the details of the incident and extended condolences to Choudhary’s family. The department is expected to review current protocols regarding wildlife encounters to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The incident serves as a case study for law enforcement agencies across the country regarding the need for clear guidelines when officers encounter potentially dangerous wildlife during their duties.
Moving Forward: Lessons Learned
This tragic event underscores several important points:
The need for specialized wildlife handling training for officers who may encounter such situations regularly. The importance of having proper equipment and protective gear available when dealing with venomous animals. The value of establishing clear protocols that prioritize officer safety over quick resolution of wildlife encounters.
While Constable Choudhary’s willingness to help and his apparent skill in handling the initial capture were admirable, the incident demonstrates that experience alone is not sufficient protection against the inherent dangers of venomous snake encounters.
Community Response and Support
The local community and fellow officers have rallied to support Choudhary’s family during this difficult time. The incident has also prompted discussions about creating memorial funds and ensuring adequate support for the families of officers who lose their lives in the line of duty.
As investigations continue and departments review their wildlife encounter protocols, Constable Santosh Choudhary’s service and sacrifice serve as a reminder of the unexpected dangers that law enforcement officers face in their commitment to public safety.
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