Snake turns against snake catcher in Vizag; Kiran Rokkam admitted to hospital

Visakhapatnam: A famous snake catcher from Visakhapatnam, Kiran Kumar Rokkam (38), has been admitted to KG Hospital for snakebite. Polyvalent Snake antivenom has been administered to him, as he has a history of snakebites.

KG Hospital authorities said that Kiran Kumar was admitted to their hospital on December 12, due to having been bitten by a cobra on his left hand. It happened while he was trying to catch the snake in Gajuwaka High School road near Navatha transport over the hilltop.

Having a history of snakebites, three as of now, doctors administered polyvalent snake antivenom. He is currently under observation in a special ward. The Superintendent of KG Hospital Dr G Arjuna instructed doctors and nursing staff to provide Kiran with proper treatment. Arjuna examined Kiran and noted that his condition is stable now.

Kiran expressed his faith and belief in KGH for the availability of antivenom. So far, Kiran has caught around 18,560 different types of snakes. He had said that he isn’t afraid of snakes since his childhood. He has also collaborated with Forest Department and GVMC to catch and rescue snakes in Vizag. Dr Arjuna praised and congratulated Kiran for achieving the record.

Kiran catches at least five crawlers a day, taking calls from alarmed householders living in various places of the city. However, he is not from one of the traditional catching communities. He chose it and turned into one of the most efficient professional snake catchers in the city.

Kiran noted that snake-related calls have been increasing in recent years. He pointed out that the loss of vegetation on Visakhapatnam’s hillsides has resulted in the reptiles creeping into human habitations through drains.