'Opened meter box and saw hood'; Kerala water authority employee's narrow escape from venomous cobra

KOCHI: Shini, an employee of the Water Authority, is still not out from the shock after making a narrow escape from a venomous cobra. The incident happened in Ernakulam.

“We have seen many such reptiles and insects inside the meter box and when opened, they often wriggle out without causing any disturbance. This was the first time I encountered a cobra inside the meter box and it was shocking. However, I will continue to do my work.” said Shini, an employee of Thrikkakara Water Authority.

Shini was taking meter readings for issuing water bills when she saw a cobra flaunting hood inside the meter box of a house in Pallathupadi. The employees often practice caution while opening meter boxes since they doubt the presence of reptiles and insects inside. However, they never expected to see a cobra nestled inside the comfort of the box.

Surprisingly, the house was not covered in greenery but had an interlocked floor where the snake was spotted. Shini immediately alerted the maid of the house. Soon, neighbours arrived and caught the snake. Shini continued with her duty after giving the bill.