Cobra Undergoes Life-Saving Surgery in Ujjain After Bulldozer Injury; Doctors Give 80 Stitches

Digital Desk

A cobra injured at a construction site in Ujjain underwent an emergency two-hour surgery on Tuesday night, during which veterinary surgeons administered nearly 80 stitches to save the reptile. The snake, struck by the claw of a JCB machine at Vikram Nagar Industrial Park, is currently under observation and expected to be released into the forest once it recovers.

The incident occurred during ongoing construction work when labourers noticed the cobra bleeding heavily after being hit by the machine. Rescuers Rahul and Mukul were called to the spot and safely captured the injured snake. They transported it to the government veterinary hospital on Udayan Road for immediate treatment.

Veterinary surgeon Dr. Mukesh Jain, who led the medical intervention, said the cobra had sustained a deep wound behind its head, with a significant portion of its skin torn away. “The injury was severe and the snake’s condition was deteriorating rapidly. Surgery was the only option,” he said.

Dr. Jain called in additional assistance from field officers Ramkanya Gaurav, Ravi Rathore and Prashant Parihar. The team cleaned the wound, sourced specialised supplies and prepared the snake for surgery. After administering mild anaesthesia to immobilise it, doctors stitched the damaged skin for nearly two hours, ensuring there was no further bleeding or infection risk.

Following the procedure, the cobra was handed back to a rescuer for round-the-clock monitoring. It will remain under care for at least two days before being assessed for release into a forested area.

Wildlife volunteers said such cases highlight the increasing number of reptile injuries linked to rapid urban construction. Officials urged construction teams to conduct area checks before operating heavy machinery, especially in regions prone to snake movement.

The cobra is reported to be stable, and veterinarians expect a full recovery.