Common krait found inside bathroom; neighbours of snakebite victim Aljo still living in fear

THRISSUR: More snakes have been caught from houses near the home of eight-year-old Aljo, who died after a snakebite in Kodaly, Thrissur. The snakes caught were identified as “Vellikkettan” (Common Krait) snakes. Locals are demanding a detailed inspection in the area by the Forest Department.

One of the snakes was found lying inside a bathroom in a house nearby. The snakes caught were of similar size and age to the one found in Aljo’s house. A housewife narrowly escaped being bitten during the incident. In the past one week, five snakes have been caught from houses in the Kadambode area of Kodaly. Residents believe that recently hatched snakes may have entered homes and courtyards in the area.

Following Aljo’s death, five snakes were caught from the child’s house. The Forest Department later carried out inspections in nearby areas, but no more snakes were found at that time. Forest officials had suspected that a group of common krait snakes may have hatched together, but they were unable to trace their source.

As snakes continue to be found in the area, fear is growing among locals. Public representatives have demanded that Forest Department officials visit the area, conduct awareness programmes for residents, and carry out a large-scale inspection.