Snake Charmer in Bhagalpur Sentenced to 10 Years for Death of Villager During Snake Show

Bhagalpur: A snake charmer in Bhagalpur, Mohammad Shamsul, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the court of ADJ-14 Vivek Kumar of the Civil Court. Shamsul was also fined Rs 1,000. The sentence comes 13 years after the incident in which a young man died after being bitten by a snake during a performance in 2011.

In August 2011, Shamsul was conducting a snake show in Dulduliya village of Pirpainti. During the performance, he wrapped a snake around the neck of Diwakar Ram Bind, a local villager, assuring him that he would not be harmed while wearing an amulet. Despite the reassurance, the snake bit Diwakar, leading to his immediate death. Shamsul attempted to save him, but his efforts were in vain.

Following the incident, a case of unintentional murder was registered against Shamsul. After years of legal proceedings, the court found him guilty and handed down the 10-year sentence. Shamsul, a resident of Khanpur Govindpur under the Pirpainti police station area, was performing with several snakes during the show, which had attracted a large crowd.

Mohammad Akbar Khan represented the government in the case.