Punjab Newsline | Ludhiana
A heartbreaking incident in Punjab's Ludhiana district claimed the lives of a brother and sister just days before Raksha Bandhan. The children, identified as 8-year-old Jobanpreet Singh and 6-year-old Jashanpreet Kaur, died within 18 hours after being bitten by a snake while sleeping in the courtyard of their home in Bassian village.
The family was sleeping outdoors due to the heat on Tuesday night. Jobanpreet and Jashanpreet were resting beside their grandmother, Jinder Kaur, when the incident occurred. Around 3 a.m. on Wednesday, Jobanpreet complained that something had bitten his hand. Initially, the family believed it was a mosquito or an insect bite.
However, when the child began crying in pain and developed breathing difficulties, family members noticed bite marks on his hand. Moments later, they spotted a snake beneath the cot, confirming their fears.
The children were rushed to Raikot Civil Hospital, where doctors confirmed it was a snakebite case. Six-year-old Jashanpreet, a Class 1 student, was declared dead on arrival. Jobanpreet, a Class 3 student, was referred to Christian Medical College (CMC) Hospital in Ludhiana as his condition deteriorated.
Doctors admitted him to the Pediatric ICU and made extensive efforts to save his life. However, the venom had already spread throughout his body. He succumbed to the effects of the snakebite at around 11 p.m. on Wednesday.
The tragic deaths have plunged the family into mourning, turning what should have been a joyful Raksha Bandhan celebration into a period of grief and loss.
