Tragic: MBBS doctor succumbs to venomous snakebite shortly after receiving degree at convocation ceremony

Bengaluru: In an unfortunate incident, a 21-year-old young doctor met an untimely demise due to a venomous snakebite on the outskirts of Tumkur shortly after receiving his MBBS degree at the convocation ceremony held on Wednesday.

His dream of becoming a practicing doctor shattered after he met with this unfortunate incident while returning from the convocation ceremony. While walking near a parking lot close to his room at around 11 pm, he was bitten by a venomous snake which put his life to an end. 

The doctor has been identified as Adit Balakrishnan, a native of Thrissur in Kerala and earned his degree from Sri Siddhartha Medical College (SSMC), located on the outskirts of Tumakuru, 80km from Bengaluru. The area is mostly surrounded by lush greenery. Given its natural surroundings, it is not uncommon to encounter snakes in the vicinity.

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The incident occurred near the rented residence where the student resided to pursue his medical studies. According to a TOI report, neither Adit nor his family members realised that he was bitten by a snake. 

"He was accompanied by his mother and other relatives at the time of the incident, though no one realised he was bitten by the snake. Upon reaching home, he is said to have collapsed and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he died," said a police officer from Tumakuru.

His body was taken for post-mortem which revealed a high level of venom in his blood samples. Snakebite marks were also found on his body. His funeral will be held after the student's father arrives here from Italy.

His sudden demise left his family members, friends and teachers in a state of shock who expressed their deep sorrow and condolences to the bereaved family. The medical community has suffered a significant loss with the untimely demise of the talented and ambitious young doctor.

 Dr Prabhakara GN, the SSMC vice-principal, told the daily, "Adit was a good student. It is unfortunate that he could not reach the hospital on time. We held a condolence meeting at the college Thursday to pay our tributes."

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