Snake with fish in mouth swims through flooded Kolkata street. Video goes viral: 'Bro proved he's Bengali'

According to local observers, the reptile appeared to be a Checkered Keelback.

A video from Kolkata showing a snake swimming through flooded streets with a fish clamped in its mouth went viral this week, with social media users linking the unusual sight to the city’s well-known attachment to fish.

The clip was shared on Instagram by Atreyee Mitra, who wrote in the caption: “Kolkata and its little perks, right before Durga Pujo.” The footage showed the snake moving steadily through floodwaters, holding its catch tightly, which viewers identified as a fish.

According to local observers, the reptile appeared to be a Checkered Keelback, also known as Jol Dhora in Bengali. The species is non-venomous and is commonly found in freshwater environments across India.

The video gained wide traction online, generating humorous remarks from residents and observers alike. One person commented, “Bro proved he’s Bengali,” while another wrote, “Even snakes like machh-bhaat (fish and rice).” A third reaction read, “Every reel I see about this just keeps getting crazier,” while another noted, “Even snakes also like fish... speciality of Kolkata!!”

The light-hearted exchange took place against the backdrop of severe weather conditions in the city. On 23 September, heavy rainfall triggered widespread flooding, disrupting daily life and transport. According to officials, at least 11 people lost their lives in Kolkata and surrounding areas following the cloudburst.

News agency PTI reported that the city recorded 251.4 mm of rainfall in less than 24 hours, the highest since 1986 and the sixth heaviest single-day rainfall recorded in 137 years. The figure was surpassed only by 369.6 mm in 1978, 259.5 mm in 1986, and 253 mm in 1888.

On Wednesday, continued rainfall led to waterlogging in several neighbourhoods, including Northern Park in Bhawanipur, where Durga Puja pandals were inundated. Authorities confirmed that traffic movement was also affected across large parts of the city.