Bhatkal: A 12-year-old boy died and his sister was hospitalised after they were suspected to have been bitten by a venomous snake while sleeping at their residence in Sahasralli village under Banavasi limits in Sirsi taluk of Uttara Kannada district late Tuesday night.

The deceased has been identified as Mithun Puttappa Naik, a Class VI student. His sister, Diksha Puttappa Naik, is undergoing treatment at a hospital.

According to sources, Mithun and Diksha had dinner and were sleeping alongside their father when they suddenly woke up and began vomiting repeatedly.

Alarmed by their condition, family members switched on the lights and alerted neighbours. By the time local residents arrived, a snake was reportedly seen moving away inside the house and disappearing into the darkness, leading to suspicions that the children had been bitten.

The family immediately rushed both children to the Sirsi Government Hospital. However, Mithun's condition deteriorated rapidly and he died on the way to the hospital.

Diksha was admitted for treatment and remains under medical observation. Her condition was not immediately known.

The incident has cast a pall of gloom over the village.