A very shocking incident has come to light from Tamil Nadu’s Chengalpattu area. Here, a 29-year-old man from Arayapakkam village tragically died on Tuesday morning. This comes after a live fish he had caught while fishing slipped into his throat and choked him. According to reports the deceased, identified as Manikandan. He was fishing alone in the shallow waters of Keezhavalam lake near Madurantakam when the incident took place.

Attempt to Hold Fish Ends in Tragedy

The deceased Manikandan was a daily wage labourer. He was known for his skill in catching fish with his bare hands. According to police he had waded into the Keezhavalam lake in search of fish. Local witnesses claim that after catching two, he placed one fish head-first into his mouth to prevent it from escaping. He placed the fish into his mouth while attempting to grab the other with both hands.

However, the situation turned quickly as the fish in his mouth began to struggle and slipped deeper into his throat. The fish was a climbing perch, locally called panangottai. The fish’s sharp, spiny fins, which naturally spread out as a defense mechanism, became lodged in his airway. This made it impossible for him to breathe or remove the fish out of his throat.

Desperate Dash Ends in Collapse

Manikandan, completely in panic, choking and unable to breathe rushed out of the lake and tried to pull the fish out himself. Unable to remove it himself, he ran towards his home. His house was nearby in Arayapakkam village but he collapsed even before he could get help or reach home. Meanwhile the locals who witnessed the incident attempted to remove the fish but were unsuccessful due to the sharp protrusions on its back.

As Manikandan collapsed on the ground he was rushed to the Chengalpattu Government Medical College Hospital. Upon arrival the doctors declared him dead. Police confirmed that he had been fishing alone, a departure from his usual practice of going with friends who could assist him.

About the Fish Involved

Meanwhile, the fish responsible for the tragic accident is called the Anabas testudineus, or climbing perch. It is a very commonly caught fish in South and Southeast Asia. Though valued as a food source, it is known for its sharp fins. The fish also has the ability to survive briefly out of water, traits that contributed to the fatal mishap.

Following the incident the Police have registered a case of unnatural death, and further investigation is underway.