Boy Dies After Snakebite in Siraha Amid Ambulance Delay Allegations

A boy has died after being bitten by a snake in Siraha district, triggering protests over alleged delays in medical treatment and ambulance services in Kalyanpur, Bhagwanpur Rural Municipality–4. The incident has raised serious questions about emergency healthcare services and ambulance arrangements in the area.

The deceased was identified as Roshan Mandal, son of Arun Mandal, a resident of Balan Bihul Rural Municipality in neighbouring Saptari district. According to a report by Birgunj City News, Roshan was initially taken to the Primary Health Centre in Kalyanpur after being bitten by a snake.

Local residents alleged that the boy did not receive timely medical attention or ambulance services. They claimed that the ambulance driver refused to take the vehicle without prior approval from Bhagwanpur Rural Municipality Chairperson Ugra Narayan Yadav.

Roshan was eventually taken towards Lahan for further treatment but reportedly died while being transported to the hospital.

The allegations surrounding the ambulance delay and the requirement for the rural municipality chairperson's approval have not yet been independently established. Police said they were investigating whether such authorization was necessary, why the treatment and transportation were allegedly delayed, and whether negligence played a role in the child's death.

Protests Erupt in Siraha Following Boy's Death

The boy's death sparked widespread anger among local residents, who vandalized the Primary Health Centre and blocked the Hulaki Highway in protest. Demonstrators burned tyres and pieces of wood on the road, disrupting vehicular movement.

A meeting with Bhagwanpur Rural Municipality Chairperson Ugra Narayan Yadav had reportedly been scheduled for 11 a.m. However, protesters became increasingly agitated after alleging that the chairperson failed to attend the planned discussion.

Protest leaders Pravind Yadav and Indal Mandal accused the chairperson of showing disregard for the incident and failing to address the concerns raised by residents.

Following the escalation, Nepal Police and Armed Police Force personnel were deployed to the area to maintain security and control the situation.

Police said an investigation was underway into the circumstances surrounding the boy's death, including the alleged delay in treatment, ambulance arrangements and possible negligence by those involved.