Bengaluru, September 2025 – In a shocking and tragic incident, a 41-year-old software engineer lost his life after being bitten by a venomous snake that had slithered into his footwear. The man, identified as Manju Prakash, was a resident of Ranganatha Layout in Bengaluru and worked at Tata Consultancy Services (TCS). This unfortunate event has raised serious concerns about snake safety in residential areas, especially during the monsoon season.

The Incident: How It Happened

According to reports from local authorities and family members, the incident took place on Saturday. Mr. Prakash had a habit of leaving his footwear outside the front door of his home. On the day of the incident, he had stepped out briefly to buy juice from a nearby shop. Unbeknownst to him, a venomous snake had found shelter inside one of his Crocs slippers.

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When he returned home and put on his slippers, the snake bit him. However, due to a previous accident, Mr. Prakash had lost sensation in one of his legs. This meant he could not feel the snakebite when it happened. Believing everything was normal, he removed his footwear and went inside his room to rest.

Discovery of the Snake

Later, a family worker noticed the snake inside the slippers. Alarmed, he alerted Mr. Prakash’s father, who carefully removed the reptile. The snake was found dead, likely having suffocated inside the Crocs.

By this time, the effects of the venom had already taken hold. When Mr. Prakash’s mother went to check on him, she found him lying unresponsive on the bed, with foam around his mouth and bleeding from his leg. The family rushed him to a nearby private hospital immediately, but tragically, doctors declared him dead upon arrival.

A Rare but Dangerous Situation

While snake bites are not extremely common inside homes, incidents like this are known to occur during the monsoon season. During rainy weather, snakes often seek dry and safe shelter in human homes and gardens. Footwear, piles of clothes, and dark corners of rooms can become hiding places for snakes.

Experts warn that accidents similar to what happened to Mr. Prakash can happen anywhere. In this case, the risk was increased because he could not feel the bite due to his previous injury.

Safety Measures Residents Should Take

Following this tragic incident, local authorities and snake experts have advised residents to exercise extreme caution. Here are some key safety tips:

• Check all footwear before wearing, especially shoes left outside or in open spaces.

• Inspect dark corners, cupboards, and under furniture for snakes, particularly during rainy weather.

• Keep home gardens tidy to avoid creating hiding spots for snakes.

• Educate family members, especially children, about the presence of snakes and how to handle encounters safely.

• Have emergency contacts ready, including the nearest hospital and local snake rescue services.

These precautions are particularly important in areas close to greenery or near water bodies, where snakes are more commonly found.

Understanding Snake Behavior During Monsoons

Snakes are cold-blooded creatures and are known to seek warmth and shelter during heavy rains. Monsoon season often drives them into homes in search of dry areas. While most snakes avoid humans and are not aggressive unless provoked, venomous snakes can pose a deadly risk if they bite.

Common venomous snakes found in urban areas of Bengaluru include:

• Russell’s viper

• Cobra

• Krait

• Saw-scaled viper

Understanding the behavior and habitats of these snakes can help residents avoid accidental encounters.

Community Reactions and Awareness

The news of Mr. Prakash’s death has shocked the local community. Residents have expressed concern about the presence of snakes in residential areas, noting that such incidents can happen without warning. Many have called for increased awareness programs and safety measures in neighborhoods, especially during monsoon months.

Local authorities are reminding everyone that prevention is the best protection. Simple actions like keeping surroundings clean, sealing gaps under doors, and storing footwear indoors can save lives.

The Human Cost

Mr. Prakash’s death highlights a tragic combination of circumstances: the presence of a venomous snake in the home, a lack of sensation in his leg due to a previous accident, and the rapid onset of venom effects. His passing serves as a stark reminder that even routine actions, such as putting on slippers, can carry unexpected risks in certain situations.

His family, friends, and colleagues at TCS are mourning the loss of a loved one and a talented professional. The incident has also sparked discussions on social media and local news platforms about how to improve safety measures for residents during snake-prone seasons.

This tragic incident in Bengaluru underscores the importance of awareness and vigilance regarding snake safety. Simple preventive steps, such as checking footwear, monitoring dark corners, and maintaining clean surroundings, can reduce the risk of accidental snake bites.

Experts emphasize that while snakes are a natural part of the ecosystem, human safety must always come first. Communities, families, and individuals are encouraged to remain alert, especially during the rainy season, to prevent such heartbreaking events in the future.

Mr. Prakash’s untimely death serves as a sobering reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the need for constant vigilance in everyday life.