Significance Of Snake Venom Toxinology Analysis In Indian Forensic Pathology

Ishaan Deepak Joshi, MIT-WPU, Faculty of Law

Introduction

Snakebites are a significantly overlooked public concern, particularly in rural regions of developing nations. The region is primarily impacted by various factors, including its significant population density, extensive agricultural practices, prevalence of venomous snakes, and inadequate implementation of snake bite control initiatives. The majority of reported fatalities resulting from snake bites can be attributed to either a delay in administering anti-venom or the unavailability of antivenom specifically tailored to the species involved.

Forensic pathologists play a multifaceted role in which they not only determine the root cause of a fatality but additionally provide assessments regarding potential instances of negligence in such cases. The process of identifying snake species through the observation of snake bites and distinguishing between venomous and non-venomous snakes is a crucial aspect of snake classification. The process involves conducting a diagnosis on the area of the skin where the bite is located.

Toxinology, Snakes and Forensic Pathology in India

Snakebite is a traumatic occurrence resulting from the bite of a snake, particularly one that possesses venomous properties. Venomous snake bites are a prevalent and critical health crisis that poses acute life-threatening as well as life-limiting risks. The global population of snakes exceeds 2000 species, and with India hosting approximately 216 species, out among which 52 are known to possess venomous properties. The vast majority of snakes are actually non- venomous.