INDIA, Oct 30, (Agencies): In an unusual sequence of events, a family's efforts to drive away a cobra from their home by creating smoke from burning cow dung resulted in their own house catching fire, as confirmed by the police.

The incident occurred in the Banda district on a Sunday when the family discovered a cobra inside their residence. In an attempt to expel the snake, they initiated a process of burning cow dung to generate smoke. However, this well-intentioned action led to the rapid spread of a fire that ultimately consumed their entire house.

The tragic aftermath of the fire included the loss of the family's cash, jewelry, and several quintals of grain. The house was shared by Rajkumar, who works as a laborer in Delhi, his wife, and their five children. The total estimated loss runs into lakhs, encompassing the family's lifetime savings and possessions.

Upon receiving the alert, local law enforcement and fire brigade teams quickly arrived at the scene, successfully gaining control of the blaze. Furthermore, the Revenue Department has been notified and is currently assessing the extent of the damage.

A police official commented, "The family members have explained that they were attempting to smoke out a snake. Further actions are being taken regarding this incident."