A snake charmer nearly died after his python tried to strangle him during a live performance in Mau, a town in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
The man, whose name is not know, passed out in front of an audience after the snake wrapped itself around his neck.
Those watching were unaware it was not part of the man’s act until he failed to get up.
Onlookers then managed to wake the snake charmer with water while moving the snake away.
He was taken to hospital in the nearby city of Varanasi.
Earlier this month, a Malaysian man famous for handling snakes died after being bitten by a cobra.
Abu Zarin Hussin, a firefighter, was bitten by a wild cobra after responding to a call to catch the reptile in Bentong, central Pahang.
Mr Hussin, who had previously appeared on Asia’s Got Talent “kissing” a snake, was taken hospital but died four days afterwards.
Confirming his death, Khiruddin Drahman, director of Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department, said: “The snake he caught was a wild spitting cobra.
“A single bite can even kill an elephant. We lost a talented officer. It is a tragic event.”
