Snake in my car! Reptiles out in New Town as temp rises
Times of India | 22 February 2025
123 Kolkata: A young professor driving back from the gym at New Town Business Club to her home in CE Block experienced quite a fright and stopped the car abruptly after she spotted a venomous snake coiled around the car steering and slithering beside her right hand earlier this week.
The frightened woman screamed and jumped out of the car, stopping it midway in neutral mode while keeping the engine running, and started waving at passing cars for help. She called a neighbour, who knew a forest department official, and a team was on the way. She also called New Town Business Club guards, who came with sticks and rods and were able to get the snake out of the car after an hour's effort.
"It was the scariest few moments of my life. I drove for around a minute or so when I first realised there was a snake in the car, and I literally froze for a few seconds before I jumped out of it. I didn't even have the courage to lower my hand and shut down the engine," said Sreemoyee Dutta, a resident of New Town CE Block and a professor at Jaipuria College. "A mechanic told me the snake had possibly entered the car from a small gaps or vent in the car bonnet," she added.
It turned out that the snake was a full-grown common krait – a highly venomous snake. Forest officials said little or no pain occurs from its bite, which can provide false reassurance to the victim. If left untreated, the patient may die from respiratory paralysis within 4 to 5 hours. A clinical toxicology study reports an untreated mortality rate of 70-80%.
Sighting of poisonous snakes like the common krait and Russell's viper is common in New Town, especially in summer and monsoon, as there are grassy empty plots and water bodies in plenty. Sightings have been reported at multiple complexes like Elita Garden Vista, Mallika and Malancha apartment complex, Hiland Willow, Sukhabrishti Abasan, and Sunny Fort. In 2023, multiple deaths due to snake bites were also reported in and around New Town.
Tania Adhikari, another New Town resident, said she too spotted a snake in front of her car last week.
"The spike in temperature has led to a surge in sightings of snakes in the township early this time. We are having meetings with NKDA as well as the forest department for adequate steps that can be taken and have asked residents to remain alert while walking on the road, strolling in the garden, and now even while driving a car," said Ankur Roy Chowdhury of New Town Forum and News, a residents' welfare organisation.
"The engine compartment provides a warm shelter, whilst serpents can stealthily ascend through the vehicle's undercarriage. Generally, these reptiles depart on their own accord. However, trying to extract them without professional assistance could be dangerous," said a forest official.
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