At least twelve individuals, including a woman and several students, sustained injuries in a series of stray dog attacks that occurred in Banihal town over Sunday and Monday. The incidents have caused significant panic among residents and raised concerns about public safety in the region.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the dog-bite incidents were reported in central areas of Banihal, with specific focus around Iqbal Memorial School and the Sub-District Hospital. The timing of the attacks, coinciding with school hours, has amplified worries for students, staff, and other individuals frequenting these locations.
Members of civil society and concerned parents have voiced alarm over the escalating number of stray dogs roaming freely within the town. They have appealed to the local administration for immediate intervention and the implementation of effective measures to control the stray dog population, emphasizing the urgent need to secure public spaces and prevent further casualties.
Dr. Shabir Ahmed Dar, Block Medical Officer (BMO) of Banihal, confirmed that twelve injured persons were brought to the Sub-District Hospital (SDH) Banihal. He stated that seven individuals were treated on Sunday, followed by five more on Monday. All patients received first aid, and some were administered anti-rabies vaccinations and advised on necessary post-exposure prophylaxis protocols.
The injured individuals have been identified as Zahida Begum, 35, wife of Reyaz Ahmed, a resident of Dooligam; Suhail Ahmad, 23, son of Mumtaz Ahmad, from Chinar Gali; Munazim Mushtaq, 16, son of Mushtaq Ahmad, a resident of Ramsoo; Adil Ahmad, 30, son of Mashraf, from Rallu; Peer Showkat, 33, son of Qumar Din, a resident of Chanjloo; Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din, 60, son of Sanaullah, from Chanjloo; Mohit Mehta, 35, son of Kaser Mehta, a resident of Banihal; Sajad Ahmad, 40, son of Ghulam Rasool, from Nowgam; Mohd Shareef, 55, son of Mohd Sikander, a resident of Nagam; Bilal Ahmad, 22, son of Bashir Ahmad, from Chanjloo; Safder Javed, 15, son of Javed Ahmad, a resident of Rallu; and Irshad Ahmad, 24, son of Abdul Gani, from Krawah. All individuals are reportedly from the Banihal area of Ramban district.
The recurring stray dog attacks highlight a persistent public health and safety challenge in various parts of the region. Local authorities are expected to address the concerns raised by residents regarding the management of stray animal populations to ensure the safety of the community, particularly vulnerable groups such as schoolchildren.
The Chenab Times News Desk