Jamshedpur: Two minor siblings died after being bitten by a venomous snake while they were asleep at their home in Santari village in Seraikela-Kharsawan district on Tuesday, police said.The victims were identified as Shiva Jonko, 11, and his sister Seema Jonko, 14. The children alerted their parents soon after the snake bit them, but the family allegedly spent nearly six hours seeking faith healing instead of taking them to hospital.When their condition deteriorated around 11 am, neighbours intervened and rushed them to Sadar Hospital in Seraikela. Shiva died on the way, while Seema succumbed shortly after reaching the hospital. Doctors declared both dead.The siblings were students of the upgraded middle school at Rugrsai.Civil surgeon Dr Saryu Prasad Singh said the delay in seeking medical treatment significantly reduced their chances of survival.“Had they been brought to the hospital in the initial hours after the snake bite, they could have survived. Nearly six hours were lost in faith healing,” Singh said.According to health department data, 33 snakebite cases were reported in Seraikela-Kharsawan till Aug 18, with three deaths recorded during the period.Officials said most snakebite victims receive timely treatment and recover. “All 33 patients admitted to Sadar hospital were discharged after receiving proper treatment,” Singh said.
