Bhopal– A recent spate of animal attacks in Madhya Pradesh’s Barwani district has reignited fear among villagers, even as officials attempt to calm nerves by confirming that the latest incidents were caused by dogs, not wild animals.
Authorities had hoped for clarity following the discovery of a jackal carcass near Limbai village in Rajpur tehsil—suspected to be the animal responsible for a series of mysterious attacks on May 5 that left 18 people injured. However, fear has resurfaced in Sendhwa village after another wave of attacks on Wednesday, involving eight victims, four of whom required hospitalization in Indore.
Despite confirmation from medical officials that the recent injuries were inflicted by a dog, villagers remain anxious, questioning whether a domestic animal could have caused such severe wounds. Photos of the injured, particularly young children, have further fueled public concern.
Four of the most recent victims—Ritika (4), Kajal (4), Rishika (7), and Aarti (45)—were first treated at Sendhwa Hospital before being transferred to Maharaja Yashwant Rao Holkar Medical College and Hospital (MY Hospital) in Indore for advanced care. Family members described the attack, which occurred on June 4 in Kermala village of Varla tehsil, as deeply traumatic. Many villagers now avoid going outside, even during daylight hours.
Dr. Jitendra Verma, deputy superintendent at MY Hospital, confirmed that the injuries sustained by all four patients were consistent with dog bites. The three children were treated with anti-rabies vaccines and discharged after initial care, while Aarti remains under observation in stable condition.
Dr. Verma also provided an update on the earlier cluster of cases. Of the seven patients previously hospitalized due to the unknown animal attacks, two remain under medical supervision, one has died, and three have recovered and been discharged. One patient left against medical advice.
Barwani District Hospital’s civil surgeon, Dr. Ankita Singare, reported that two patients from the earlier incident were seen again on Thursday. Both are stable but continue to experience general weakness. She emphasized that no new cases of unknown animal bites have been reported since the May 5 attacks in Limbai.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate Bhupendra Rawat reiterated that no fresh incidents have occurred in Rajpur tehsil. He confirmed that the jackal believed responsible for the original attacks is dead and its carcass has been safely disposed of.
Despite official assurances, anxiety persists. The recent incidents in Sendhwa—though medically verified as dog bites—have shaken the community, which remains wary in the absence of definitive answers about earlier attacks. Authorities remain hopeful that fear will subside now that the immediate threat appears to have passed. (Source: IANS)
