India registers over 58,000 snakebite deaths annually, almost 80 per cent of global snakebite deaths. The traditional practice of the Kalbelias, highly skilled in catching snakes and treating snake/scorpion bites, has been criminalised, and they lack land, livelihood and dignity. On World Snake Day, July 16, a look at the historical injustices meted out to this tribe of snake charmers.