Eight-year-old boy Dikshal, who died of snakebite, had been living in an unsafe house

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Dikshal, who died after being bitten by a snake in Chirayinkeezhu, was living with his family in an insecure house. The walls of their sheet-roofed house were not strong. Since the floor was smeared with mud, it was difficult to notice reptiles entering the house. The presence of such creatures is rampant because there are swamps and bushes near the house. With no compound wall, they could easily enter the house and surroundings. The family had applied for a new house and was waiting when the incident happened.

Dikshal had gone to sleep with his grandmother and his paternal aunt. Around 2:30 am on Thursday, the child woke up screaming that something had bitten his leg, alerting the family. He was first taken to Chirayinkeezhu Taluk Hospital. After initial treatment, he was shifted to the medical college hospital, but his life could not be saved. A cobra was later caught from the house.

Dikshal was the elder son of Dileep of Azhoor Moolel house and Anu. He was a third-class student of Noble School. The child’s body, presently kept at the medical college hospital, will be handed over to the family after inquest procedures.