Sitapur (UP): Two more children were mauled to death and as many injured by packs of stray dogs in the district Friday, police said.
Earlier Tuesday three children were mauled to death by dogs in villages of Khairabad area after which the district administration called a dog-catching team from Mathura to deal with the menace.
Giving details of Friday’s incident, police said the first attack took place in Budanpur village when Virendra (10) was collecting mangoes and was attacked by a pack of dogs. He was rushed to a hospital where he died, police said.
In a separate incident in village Mahisangpur, Geeta (6) was mauled to death by dogs outside her house.
Two others were injured is similar incidents. One Rinkal (5) of Peerpur village and a 12-year-girl of Choubeypur village were injured in dog bites while they were going to school, police said.
A four-member team from Mathura along with forest officials arrived here Wednesday and started an operation with the help of the police and locals this morning, during which 16 dogs were tranquillised while two died, officials said. The tranquillised dogs will be set free in remote forest areas later, they said.
People in different villages under Khairabad are living in constant fear since the mauling incidents and have sought help the administration.
Authorities have advised them to carry sticks or blunt weapons when venturing out alone, officials said.
While unconfirmed reports said villagers resorted to killing strays in some areas, officials have refused to comment.
Tuesday, a packs of stray dogs attacked and killed three children in separate incidents in the Khairabad police station area here. Two girls, Shamli (11) and Komal (12), and a boy, Khalid (12), were attacked and killed by strays in Tikaria, Gurpulia and Khulia villages respectively.
Amid rising incidents of dog attacks, locals have expressed their resentment towards the apathetic attitude of officials.
Rajendra, father of one of the victims Virendra said, “The administration does not appear serious. I have lost my son. They can’t understand the pain.”
Ram Khilawan, whose son Rinkal was injured in a dog attack, said, “Administration should be more serious. It’s matter of security of our wards and the matter should be accorded top priority.” – PTI
