Bhubaneswar, Jan. 7 -- A youth was critically injured after being bitten by a snake he was carrying around his neck in Bhadrak district, an incident reported from the Banta area on Wednesday.

The injured has been identified as Subal Sahu. According to sources, the youth was seen roaming in the area with a colourful and rare snake wrapped around his neck when the reptile suddenly bit him on his right hand.

Following the snakebite, Subal's condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was rushed to the Bhadrak District Headquarters Hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment.

The snake was also brought to the hospital in a container for identification. However, doctors were initially unable to identify the species. Later, members of th...