Panic gripped Gunupur town in Rayagada district on Saturday after a violent stray dog went on a rampant biting spree across various streets and neighbourhoods, injuring at least 13 local residents.
According to reports, the dog suddenly turned hostile and began chasing and attacking pedestrians, two-wheeler riders, and passersby without warning. The sudden streak of violence left the victims bleeding and created an atmosphere of fear and distress throughout the town.
All the injured were promptly rescued and rushed to the Gunupur Sub-Divisional Headquarters Hospital for immediate medical attention. Out of the 13 victims, 11 have been identified so far as J. Kuni, Jayanti Sabar, Sunena Satapathy, Dayuri Gamanga, Jisaya Sabar, Arun Padhi, Gayatri Toika, S. Bharati, Babita Palka, D. Upendra, and Sadam Sabar. All the victims belong to various localities within Gunupur town.
Dr Pratyush Kumar Biswal of the Gunupur Sub-Divisional Hospital confirmed that all patients are receiving necessary primary care and Anti-Rabies Vaccine (ARV) doses.
Meanwhile, the Gunupur Municipal Council has initiated an active operation to capture the rabid animal. Municipal staff alongside local volunteer teams spent hours searching the area, though catching the elusive dog has proven difficult.
Speaking on the municipal response, Executive Officer Santosh Nayak stated that dedicated volunteer teams and trained animal handlers have been mobilised to safely capture the dog, reassuring citizens that steps are underway to ensure public safety and address the growing stray dog issue in the city.
