11-year-old looses hand while fighting crocodile in UP, VIDEO of aftermath surfaces

New Delhi: In a remarkable display of bravery, an 11-year-old boy from Lakhimpur Kheri district fought off a crocodile, only to lose his left hand in the battle. The incident highlights both the child's courage and the inadequate medical response that followed.

Heroic fight against the crocodile

On Friday, Sankit Kumar, an 11-year-old resident of Thakur Purwa Majra Banglaha Takiya in the Singahi police station area, went with his mother to collect grass near a village pond. As Sankit approached the water, a large crocodile lurking in the pond suddenly attacked him. His mother, shocked and terrified, began shouting for help and striking the crocodile with a nearby stick.

Despite the frantic efforts, the crocodile relentlessly pulled Sankit towards the water. Sankit bravely fought back, struggling against the powerful reptile for several minutes. The fight attracted the attention of nearby villagers, who rushed to the scene. Together, they managed to free Sankit from the crocodile's jaws by beating the animal with sticks. However, by the time they succeeded, the crocodile had severely injured Sankit, resulting in the loss of his left hand.

Inadequate medical response

The immediate aftermath of the attack revealed serious shortcomings in the medical system. Sankit was taken to Nighasan Community Health Center for treatment. Disturbingly, due to a lack of proper facilities, he was treated on a bench meant for sitting, highlighting the dire state of the healthcare infrastructure. Recognizing the severity of his condition, doctors quickly referred Sankit to the district hospital for further treatment.

लखीमपुर खीरी जिले में एक बच्चा बहादुरी की मिसाल पेश करते हुए बिना डरे मगरमच्छ से लड़ गया,हालांकि कई मिनट तक मगरमच्छ से लड़ाई में बच्चे को अपना एक हांथ गंवाना पड़ा,वहीं बच्चा जब इलाज के लिए निघासन सामुदायिक स्वास्थ्य केंद्र पहुंचा तो सिस्टम से हार गया, वहां बच्चे का इलाज बैठने के… pic.twitter.com/R9o5iFpV11

— Shiva Gupta शिवा गुप्ता (@shivagu31125812) June 29, 2024

Lack of medical facilities?

This incident not only underscores Sankit's extraordinary bravery but also raises significant concerns about the medical facilities available in rural areas. The distressing image of a severely injured child being treated on a bench should serve as a wake-up call for the authorities to improve healthcare services and ensure that such brave individuals receive the care they deserve.