Patna: Panic gripped the Kurji Balupar locality in Patna’s Pataliputra area on Monday afternoon after a stray dog attacked five people, including three young children and a woman. The victims sustained multiple bite wounds and scratches, prompting immediate medical attention and sparking concerns over growing stray dog aggression in the capital.
According to residents, the incident occurred around 12 noon on Shaktinagar Road No. 7. The dog first attacked 25-year-old Sunny Kumar, who was walking down the road, and then turned towards three children—Rachna Kumari (5), Ankush Kumar (2), and Vaishnavi Kumari (6)—who were sitting and playing at the entrance of their homes.
Amrita Kumari (41), a neighbor, rushed out to save the children after hearing their screams but was also bitten by the dog. Locals gathered quickly, chasing the dog away. Despite its escape, fear continues to loom in the area, with residents now escorting their children outdoors and adults carrying sticks for protection.
All five victims were initially rushed to New Gardiner Road Hospital, where they received first aid and anti-rabies vaccinations. However, given the serious injuries sustained by the children, they were referred to Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH) and later redirected to the Infectious Disease Hospital for specialized treatment.
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sinha, Director of New Gardiner Road Hospital, confirmed that the dog had bitten the children in more than six places each.
Dr. Sinha revealed that the hospital is witnessing an alarming rise in dog bite cases.
Medical experts attribute the rise in aggression to summer heat, dehydration, and food scarcity. “Even though it wasn’t extremely hot today, dogs are sensitive to heat and humidity, which makes them irritable. Hunger and thirst worsen the situation,” Dr. Sinha explained.
He also warned that stray dogs in breeding season or those infected with rabies may exhibit heightened aggression, increasing the risk to public safety.
Residents of Kurji Balupar are now demanding immediate action from the municipal authorities to control the stray dog population and prevent further attacks. “We are scared to send our kids outside. Authorities must act before someone loses their life,” said a local resident.
