Belthangady: Snake hidden among toys bites four-year-old girl at Anganwadi, child critical

Mangalore Today News Network

Belthangady, Jul 15, 2026: A four-year-old girl was seriously injured after being bitten by a snake allegedly hidden among toys inside an Anganwadi centre at Sauthadka in Belthangady on Tuesday.

The child, identified as Fatimath Saadiya (4), daughter of Shihab, president of the Malligemajalu Mosque, was initially rushed to a nearby hospital and later shifted to Mangaluru for advanced treatment.

According to reports, Fatimath Saadiya had attended the Anganwadi as usual and was playing with other children when the snake, which was reportedly concealed among the toys inside the classroom, bit her. The Anganwadi helper noticed the incident and immediately informed the girl’s parents.

It is learnt that the Anganwadi teacher was away on BLO (Booth Level Officer) duty at the time of the incident, leaving only the helper at the centre.

The child was first taken to the Kokkada Community Health Centre, where she received first aid. Following medical advice, she was shifted to a hospital in Puttur and later referred to Wenlock Hospital in Mangaluru for advanced treatment.

The girl is currently undergoing treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU), hospital sources said.