Thiruvananthapuram: A 69-year-old Poojapura resident, Chandran, suffered severe injuries to his right eye and face after being mauled by a stray dog near his house at Vettamukku on Sunday morning. He is currently undergoing treatment at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital (MCH).
Details of the Attack
The incident occurred around 9:30 am on Vettamukku-Kattachal Road in Poojapura when Chandran stepped out to buy milk from a nearby shop. According to family friend Anil Kumar, the dog suddenly charged at him and bit his face. His right eyelid was ripped off, and he sustained deep injuries to his lip. He was bleeding heavily when locals rushed to his rescue and chased the dog away.
Medical Treatment
Chandran sustained serious injuries to his right eye, eyelid, and lip. He was initially taken to General Hospital and later shifted to the Regional Institute of Ophthalmology before being referred to Thiruvananthapuram MCH for specialized treatment. Doctors performed surgery, but his family said it was too early to determine whether his vision could be restored. He has six stitches on his lip and is receiving treatment for injuries to his eye and face.
Delay in Treatment Allegations
Relatives alleged that the treatment process gathered pace only after they approached the Chief Minister's office. “We reached MCH around noon on Sunday. The surgery was completed only around 11 pm, and he was shifted to the ward around 3 am on Monday. Doctors told us they needed more time to assess his eye condition and the chances of vision recovery. After we sought intervention from the Chief Minister’s office, the procedures moved faster,” said Kumar.
Residents Demand Action
Residents said stray dogs frequently gather in Kattachal area as some locals feed them. A complaint was filed with Poojappura police station seeking action. Locals alleged that stray dog attacks were reported from the area earlier too and demanded urgent intervention from authorities. They expressed concern over the safety of residents, especially the elderly and children, who are vulnerable to such attacks.
