AMBIKAPUR, India — A routine autopsy turned extraordinary when doctors discovered a live baby bird lodged in the throat of a 35-year-old man who died in central India, with investigators linking the unusual death to a suspected fertility ritual.
Anand Yadav collapsed at his home in Chhindwara village, Chhattisgarh, on December 14 after taking a bath.
He was rushed to the Medical College Hospital in Ambikapur following complaints of dizziness, but doctors were initially unable to determine the cause of death.
During the post-mortem examination, Dr. Santu Bagh made an unprecedented discovery: an eight-inch-long live chick wedged in the deceased’s windpipe.
“This is the first time I have encountered such a case in my career,” said Bagh, who has performed over 15,000 autopsies.
The bird had become trapped in a U-shape position in Yadav’s throat, blocking both his windpipe and esophagus. Medical experts determined the cause of death as asphyxiation due to the complete airway obstruction.
Local authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, which community members believe may be linked to traditional fertility practices.
According to family members, Yadav had been married for more than five years without having children and had reportedly consulted a tantrik — a traditional mystic healer who combines supernatural practices with religious philosophy.
“He firmly claimed that owing to Jhar-phoonk (spell of sorcery), he could become a father,” a relative told The New Indian Express.
Investigators are working to determine whether the victim attempted to swallow the live bird as part of a fertility ritual.
The incident has drawn attention to the ongoing practice of unconventional healing methods in parts of India. Local law enforcement officials noted that this is not an isolated case of potentially dangerous ritualistic practices in the region.
The discovery highlights the risks associated with extreme traditional practices and the continued influence of mystic healers in some communities.
Police have launched a full investigation to determine if any individuals should face charges in connection with Yadav’s death.
Editor’s Note: This article is based on reporting from The Hindustan Times, India Today, and The New Indian Express. The incident occurred in December 2024 and is under active investigation by local authorities. Some details have been withheld pending the completion of the police investigation.