THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Panic swept through the residential areas of Sasthamangalam and Kowdiar after a suspected rabid dog attacked several individuals on Sunday evening.
The dog remained at large until noon on Monday, leaving residents in fear and choosing to stay indoors. As per unofficial reports, between 15 and 30 people were attacked across Pippinmoodu, Sasthamangalam, Kowdiar, Jawahar Nagar and Tennis Club areas.
One of the victims, a 22-year-old IAS aspirant residing at a PG hostel near the Tennis Club in Kowdiar, sustained serious injuries. Shanthi Vasanth, who runs the hostel, said the woman suffered deep thigh wounds. She was initially taken to the Peroorkada Hospital and later shifted to the General Hospital for further treatment.
“Around 15 girls reside at the hostel, and stray dogs often roam in packs after dark. The inmates, who return around 10 pm after their coaching classes, are scared to walk back alone due to the growing dog menace,” said Shanthi, adding that the problem is worsened by individuals who feed the strays regularly.
A 15-year-old girl from Subramaniom Kovil Lane near Pippinmoodu was also attacked around 6:45pm while she was returning from tuition. Her father, Rajesh A, blamed poor waste management and the feeding of stray dogs for the incident. “Haritha Karma Sena members keep waste at the lane, which attracts dogs. People also feed them, which adds to the woes. An elderly resident was bitten in the same area,” he said.
Sunil Kumar, former Kowdiar ward councillor, said he knew around eight people who were bitten. The dog also reportedly entered a luxury apartment complex in Jawahar Nagar and attacked residents relaxing on the lawn.