A wave of street dog attacks terrorized the city of Ujjain on Sunday, leaving a trail of injuries and fear. Within a mere four-hour window, 12 people were injured in separate incidents, with a four-year-old boy bearing the brunt of the most severe attack.
Child Severely Injured in Jaithal Village Attack
The most harrowing incident unfolded in Jaithal village on Agar Road. In the evening, a young boy named Priyanshu was watching kites near his home when he wandered into a nearby lane. Suddenly, a street dog pounced on him, knocking the child to the ground and viciously mauling his face. His cries for help alerted neighbours, who rushed to the spot and managed to rescue him from the canine assailant.
Priyanshu was rushed to the government Charak Hospital for emergency care. Medical examination revealed deep injuries to his face and eye, necessitating immediate surgery. The child was shifted to the operation theatre and remains admitted under close medical observation.
Hospital Reports Surge in Bite Cases
Dr. Kapil Verma, who was on duty in the emergency ward, confirmed that Priyanshu's case was the most serious among a sudden influx of dog bite victims. He provided a startling timeline, stating, "Between 2 pm and 6 pm on Sunday, 12 people injured in dog attacks were brought to the hospital from different areas of the city." All victims received primary treatment and doses of the anti-rabies vaccine.
Doctors noted that the majority of the victims were children and adult men. This concentrated burst of attacks in a short span has highlighted a critical public health and safety issue.
Growing Menace Sparks Public Outcry
The Sunday afternoon terror has triggered fresh and urgent concern among Ujjain's residents regarding the growing menace of stray dogs. The incidents have amplified long-standing worries about safety in public spaces and residential areas.
There are now loud and clear demands for immediate intervention by the civic authorities. Citizens are calling for effective measures, which could include:
- Enhanced animal birth control (ABC) drives.
- Systematic sterilization and vaccination of street dogs.
- Improved garbage management to reduce food sources for strays.
- Prompt action to prevent further such traumatic incidents.
The community awaits a concrete response from officials to restore a sense of security in the city.
