Odisha Man Uses Cobra To Kill Wife, Minor Daughter; Lured By Govt’s Rs 8 Lakh Ex-gratia

A man from Ganjam district in Odisha has been arrested after his wife and minor daughter died from a snakebite, which he allegedly orchestrated. The accused, identified as K Ganesh Patra, reportedly had a troubled marriage and decided to kill his wife and daughter. He obtained a cobra from a snake charmer and released it into the room where his wife and daughter were present on October 7.

Following the snakebite incident, both the mother and daughter were rushed to a local hospital, where doctors declared them dead. Initially, the police considered their deaths as a result of a snakebite, but the investigation took a turn after the father-in-law filed a First Information Report (FIR) against Patra.

According to reports, the motive behind Patra’s plan may have been the temptation to collect a government ex-gratia amount of Rs 8 lakh (approximately £8,000) for snakebite victims. This amount, offered by the government, is Rs 4 lakh each for the deceased and is meant to provide assistance to families affected by such incidents.

The police official involved in the investigation stated, “During the investigation, we learned that he (K Ganesh Patra) had procured the reptile from a charmer. The charmer will also be interrogated.”

After a thorough investigation, the police arrested Patra for his alleged role in the deaths of his wife and daughter. The authorities are now working to gather more evidence and information related to the case.

Cases like these highlight the need for strict adherence to the law and the importance of resolving marital disputes through peaceful means. The tragic incident has shaken the local community, and the accused will now face legal consequences for his actions.