A tragic incident in the national capital has once again highlighted the menace of stray animals in urban areas. A 60-year-old homeless man lost his life after being brutally attacked by a pack of stray dogs in Southwest Delhi's Dwarka locality.
The Fatal Attack Near St Mary's School
The horrifying episode took place on Tuesday night near St Mary's School in Dwarka's Sector 19. According to police officers, the victim, identified as Raju, originally from Uttar Pradesh's Sitapur, encountered a group of stray dogs that began howling at him. In a desperate attempt to save himself, Raju ran towards a nearby park. However, the dogs pursued him and launched a vicious assault.
"Raju ran towards a nearby park to save himself, but the dogs followed and attacked him. He was severely injured in the attack. His clothes were almost entirely torn off when police reached the spot," a police officer recounted. The attack left him with critical injuries.
Succumbing to Injuries and Family Details
Raju was rushed for medical treatment but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries on the intervening night of Wednesday, January 7, and Thursday, January 8. Police revealed that Raju had been living on footpaths and roads for over a year. He had left his home following frequent domestic disputes.
He is survived by his wife and three children. His wife works as a domestic help in a society in Sector 11 to support the family. Initially, establishing Raju's identity was challenging as he was not carrying any personal documents. After a post-mortem examination, his body was handed over to his family members, who arrived from Sitapur on Thursday morning to conduct his last rites.
Broader Implications and Urban Safety
This fatal attack underscores a persistent public safety and animal control issue in several Indian cities. Stray dog populations in metropolitan areas like Delhi often lead to conflicts, with vulnerable populations, such as the homeless, being at particularly high risk. The incident in Dwarka's Sector 19 raises urgent questions about municipal corporation protocols for managing stray animals and protecting citizens.
The local police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack. The tragedy has left the local community in shock and mourning the loss of a life in such a brutal manner.
