Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Oct 16: In a horrifying incident that has sparked public outrage, a nine-year-old girl was left seriously injured after being mauled by a pack of stray dogs in Surathkal’s Kaana Maindaguri area, on the outskirts of Mangaluru, on Wednesday evening.
The victim, Rida Fatima (9), daughter of Haidar Ali, a resident of Maindaguri, was reportedly on her way to a nearby shop when she was attacked. She is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital in Mangaluru, with doctors stating her condition remains serious.
Wtnesses say the girl was heading to the shop near her home when a group of aggressive stray dogs, believed to have been fighting among themselves, suddenly rushed into the area. Rida, frightened by the chaos, attempted to run back home. In her panic, the money she was holding slipped from her hands.
“As she bent down to pick up the fallen cash, the dogs turned on her and attacked without warning,” said a local resident who witnessed the incident.
The dogs reportedly bit her multiple times, inflicting deep injuries to her hands and legs. Her screams drew the attention of nearby residents, who rushed to her aid and managed to drive the dogs away.
She was first taken to the Surathkal Community Health Centre, where she received emergency first aid. Given the severity of her wounds, she was quickly referred to Wenlock District Hospital in Mangaluru, and later shifted to a private hospital for advanced treatment. Hospital sources confirmed that she is under close observation for potential complications arising from the bite injuries.
The incident has triggered anger among residents of Surathkal, many of whom blame the Mangaluru City Corporation for inaction in controlling the rising population of stray dogs.
“This is not the first such incident in our area. How many more children need to be attacked before authorities take this seriously?” questioned one local resident.
Parents in the locality are now hesitant to let their children step out alone, fearing a repeat of Wednesday’s attack. Several have called for immediate sterilisation drives, increased animal control patrols, and urgent civic intervention.
As of Thursday, there has been no official response from city officials or the health department regarding the attack.
Further updates on Rida’s condition and any action taken by the authorities are awaited.