A wave of terror and anger has gripped Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district following two separate incidents of stray dog attacks within 24 hours that resulted in the death of a 12-year-old boy and left a 4-year-old critically injured. The terrifying encounters, reported from Behat and Chilkana areas, have triggered serious concerns among residents regarding the safety of children in residential and public spaces.
Fatal Attack on 12-Year-Old Boy Near Temple
The fatal incident occurred on Wednesday within the jurisdiction of the Behat police station. Twelve-year-old Mannu had accompanied his mother, Rajwati, to a local temple. While his mother was engaged in preparations for religious rituals inside the temple premises, the boy stepped slightly away from her.
According to Behat Police Station In-charge Inspector Jitendra Dixit, a pack of four stray dogs surrounded Mannu and launched an aggressive assault. The animals inflicted severe bite wounds on the boy's face and neck. Hearing the mother's frantic cries for help, nearby residents rushed to the scene and managed to drive the dogs away, rescuing the child from their grip.
Mannu was immediately transported to the primary health center, where doctors examined him and pronounced him dead. The boy's family members declined a post-mortem examination of the body. Following this, the police completed the necessary legal formalities and handed over the body to the grieving relatives.
Four-Year-Old Severely Injured in Chilkana
The second horrifying incident took place on Tuesday evening in the Kothiwala locality of Sultanpur town, falling under the Chilkana police station limits. Four-year-old Shadan was playing just outside his residence when a pack of stray dogs suddenly pounced on him.
Chilkana Police Station In-charge Inspector Akshay Sharma stated that the child sustained severe injuries in the vicious attack. After being rescued by family and neighbours, he was initially rushed to a local primary health center. Given the severity of his bite wounds, attending doctors administered emergency care before referring him to an advanced healthcare facility for specialized treatment.
Growing Alarm Over Stray Packs in Residential Streets
The back-to-back attacks have heightened fear among families across the region. Local residents highlighted that packs of aggressive stray dogs roaming through residential streets have become an acute hazard, leaving parents terrified to let their young children play outdoors or walk to school. Police and civic officials stated that necessary actions are being undertaken regarding both incidents to address the growing situation.
