A rabid stray dog went on a rampage in Kaij town in Maharashtra’s Beed district on Monday, biting at least 40 people within the space of two hours and sparking chaos in several localities.
The incident occurred in areas including Mangalwar Peth, Azizpura, Bhimnagar, Roza Mohalla, and near the bus station. The dog attacked anyone in its path, forcing people to run for safety and creating a situation of panic in the area.
Victims, including some with deep or multiple bite wounds, were rushed to the Kaij sub-district hospital, where long queues formed for anti-rabies vaccinations. Dr Dattatray Kendre, the hospital’s superintendent, said: “We have administered rabies injections to all 40 injured people who reported to the hospital. Among them, ten individuals sustained deep or multiple puncture wounds and have been referred to the Swami Ramanand Teerth Government Rural Medical College and Hospital (SRTGRMCH) Ambajogai for advanced treatment.”
Local reports described the dog as rabid, heightening concerns among residents. The episode has placed the town on high alert and renewed criticism of the local Nagar Panchayat’s handling of the stray dog problem. The Kaij Vikas Sangharsh Samiti has demanded that the Nagar Panchayat take control of stray dogs in the town.
Prof Hanumant Bhosale, president of the Kaij Taluka Vikas Sangharsh Samiti, expressed residents’ frustration and warned: “We will catch the stray dogs and release them inside the Nagar Panchayat office if no action is taken against canines.”
Medical professionals advise bite victims to thoroughly wash wounds with soap and running water for 10-15 minutes and to seek medical attention promptly, and to avoid unproven home remedies.
