Tragic Crocs Incident Highlights Wildlife Risks in Bengaluru Residential Areas

In a tragic incident, 41-year-old Manju Prakash, a tech professional with TCS, lost his life following a snake bite in Bengaluru's Bannerghatta area. Prakash, a resident of Ranganatha Layout, encountered the fatal snakebite after returning home from a local sugarcane shop. On the fateful day, Prakash wore his Crocs, unaware that a juvenile Russell’s viper had nestled inside. Upon his return, he left the footwear outside his residence and retired to his room for rest.

Family members discovered the situation only later, when they noticed a dead snake beside the Crocs. Prompted by this alarming sight, they rushed to Prakash's room, where they found him unresponsive, with foam emanating from his mouth and his leg bleeding. Despite immediate transport to a private hospital, medical staff pronounced him dead upon arrival.

Investigations revealed Prakash did not perceive the snakebite due to a previous accident in 2016. That accident had resulted in leg surgery, leaving him with a lack of sensation that culminated in his inability to detect the snake’s lethal bite. The preliminary police report indicates the case of an unnatural death, as authorities await further expert analysis to confirm the exact species involved and other forensic details.

Prakash's untimely demise highlights the latent dangers posed by unexpected wildlife interactions in residential areas. The unfortunate circumstances of his death underline the necessity for greater awareness of wildlife hazards, especially in localities where human-animal encounters might be frequent.

Family accounts speculate the snake perished from suffocation within the confines of the Crocs, which only added to the harrowing nature of the event. There remains a collective sense of disbelief among those who knew him, as they grapple with the loss of a person known for his resilience and dedication in both personal and professional spheres. Prakash leaves behind his wife, children, and parents, who are now left to navigate the complexities of grief arising from this unforeseen tragedy.

Authorities in Bannerghatta have noted this case's unusual factors and emphasized the importance of public caution in similar environments. While this incident underscores the potential hazards posed by wildlife lurking in everyday settings, it also invites broader discussion about preventive measures that could mitigate such risks in the future.