A sudden and aggressive swarm of honeybees stung more than 10 people in Biramitrapur town of Odisha’s Sundargarh district on Wednesday, prompting local residents to demand urgent intervention from authorities.
The incidents occurred in the vicinity of the Old Police Station area, where multiple beehives have been hanging from a large tree for an extended period without any prior issues. Locals reported that the bees, which had remained largely dormant, turned unusually aggressive and began chasing and attacking passersby without provocation.
Eyewitnesses described chaotic scenes as the swarm targeted individuals walking or standing near the tree, leading to multiple sting injuries. All the affected persons—over ten in total—were promptly shifted to a nearby government hospital. Fortunately, all victims have since been discharged and returned home after receiving necessary care.
With the upcoming Gupteswar Mela—a major annual fair expected to draw large crowds to the town—residents are growing increasingly concerned about public safety. The mela, which attracts devotees and visitors from surrounding areas, could see heightened footfall in the coming days, raising fears of more attacks if the beehives are not removed or neutralised soon.
Local residents have appealed to the district administration, municipal authorities, and forest officials to take immediate action. They have urged the deployment of professional beekeepers or pest control experts to safely relocate the hives before the festival begins.
