Terror of rabid dog, 11 people bitten in two hours; innocent child’s face badly mauled
Barabanki (The Uttam Hindu): Fear of stray dogs has gripped Barabanki district in Uttar Pradesh, making life difficult for residents. In the Haidergarh area on Wednesday, a rabid dog created panic across the locality. Within just two hours, the dog attacked and injured 11 people walking on the roads. In another shocking incident from the Kothi area, a stray dog brutally mauled the face of a three-year-old girl who was playing outside her house. The child, in critical condition, was referred to the district hospital.
According to locals, the dog entered Haidergarh town around 4 pm and attacked anyone who came in its way. The attacks began near the railway crossing on the Haidergarh–Bhiteriya road, where 22-year-old Ankush, riding a motorcycle from Malinpur, was bitten on the leg. The dog then attacked Kundan Kumar and Vimla Devi of Lilhaura ward while they were crossing the road. Near the main square, the dog suddenly attacked Dayashankar Mishra, who was heading to a paan shop, and clamped onto his leg. People present managed to chase the dog away and save him. Moving further towards the Raebareli road, the dog bit elderly Haneef, who was going to the mosque for prayers, along with Mohammad Daud, Anwar, Nisar Ahmad, and a nine-year-old girl, Al Fiza.
From 4 pm to 6 pm, the rabid dog spread terror across the town. Frightened residents came out with sticks to protect themselves. Seeing the crowd, the dog fled towards a nearby forest, bringing temporary relief. Angry villagers informed the Block Development Officer and the Nagar Panchayat chairman, demanding an immediate drive to catch stray dogs to prevent such incidents in the future.
Another disturbing case was reported from Tikaria village under the Sidhhaur block in the Kothi area. A three-year-old girl, daughter of a man named Rinku, was playing outside her house with her five-year-old sister when a stray dog attacked her and badly tore her cheek. Hearing the children’s screams, family members and villagers rushed to the spot and managed to free the child. She was first taken to a local health centre and later referred to the district hospital due to deep injuries. Doctors administered anti-rabies injections and said the child is undergoing special treatment.
At the Haidergarh Community Health Centre, a long queue of injured people was seen on Wednesday evening. All 11 victims of the dog attack reached the hospital for treatment. CHC Superintendent Dr. Jayshankar Pandey said all injured persons were given immediate medical care and anti-rabies injections. He added that sufficient medicines and vaccines were available, ensuring timely treatment for all victims.