Vasai’s Parnaka area was thrown into chaos late Saturday evening when a stray dog went on a biting spree, injuring 35 people within a span of just two hours. The victims ranged from children to elderly residents, leaving the community shaken and demanding immediate action.
The incident began around dusk and escalated rapidly as the dog attacked anyone in its path. Children walking home, elderly residents returning from shops, and even pedestrians passing by were left nursing painful wounds. Some victims described the attacks as relentless, with the dog biting through clothing and in some cases, tearing into muscle.
Hospital Overwhelmed by Victims
The DM Petit Hospital in Vasai was soon overwhelmed by the influx of dog bite victims. The corridors were crowded with people seeking medical help, many of them bleeding profusely. The distressed cries of children echoed through the hospital as they awaited treatment for their injuries. Adults examined their torn clothes and wounds in disbelief, recounting the horrifying ordeal.
A civic doctor at the hospital reported that 17 of the 35 victims had to be administered immunoglobulin injections due to the severity of their injuries. These injections are critical for reducing inflammation and preventing complications such as rabies.
Advocate Mridula Khedekar, one of the victims, recalled her terrifying experience. “I was on my way to the market when the dog suddenly pounced on me and bit my leg. By the time I reached the hospital, there were already 20 others who had been bitten by the same dog. While waiting for treatment, I saw 12 more people arrive with similar injuries,” she said.
Another victim, Ramesh Pujari, an elderly shopkeeper, shared, “I was heading home after closing my shop when the dog attacked me out of nowhere. The bite was so severe that I had to use my other leg to push it away. At the hospital, I learned that dozens of others had already been attacked.”
Residents Demand Accountability
The alarming incident has sparked outrage among Vasai residents, who have criticized the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation (VVCMC) for failing to address the growing stray dog population. Local social workers and residents allege that the municipality has neglected the dog sterilization program, allowing the stray dog population to multiply unchecked.
Advocate Khedekar added, “The municipal corporation has completely ignored the issue. If you visit government hospitals for treatment, you’ll find inadequate medical staff and facilities. We demand immediate action to control the stray dog menace before another tragedy occurs.”
Parents’ Horror: A Child Attacked
Among the victims was an eight-year-old girl who was playing outside when the dog attacked her. Her father, Ashwin Kannaujia, recounted the horrifying incident. “The dog bit her leg, and when she fell, it continued chewing on her. It was terrifying. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors treated her wounds and monitored her for potential infections.”
The girl’s injuries required stitches, and doctors administered preventive measures against infections like rabies. “It was a horrible sight,” Kannaujia said. “We cannot let this happen to anyone else’s child.”
Panic in Parnaka
As news of the attacks spread, panic gripped Vasai West, with bystanders scrambling for safety. Despite repeated complaints from residents about stray dog attacks, the municipal corporation had failed to take preventive measures, they alleged.
Finally, late into the night, officials from the VVCMC captured the stray dog responsible for the attacks. However, the delay in addressing the situation has left residents furious.
Official Statement
When contacted, the Medical Officer of Health (MoH) of VVCMC, Bhakti Choudhari, confirmed that the victims were treated at the hospital. “Seventeen patients with serious injuries were given immunoglobulin injections. All victims received appropriate medical care and were discharged,” Choudhari stated.
However, the lack of proactive measures by the municipal corporation to prevent such incidents remains a sore point for the residents.
Long-Standing Issues
The stray dog menace is not a new problem in Vasai, Nalasopara, and Virar. Residents have long complained about the increasing number of stray dogs and the lack of a robust sterilization program. Social workers point out that municipal authorities need to implement sustained efforts to control the dog population and ensure public safety.
Advocate Khedekar summed up the community’s frustration: “This is not just about one dog. It’s about the municipal corporation’s failure to prioritize public safety. We cannot live in constant fear of stray dog attacks.”
The Path Ahead
The recent incident has reignited calls for immediate and effective action. Residents are demanding a comprehensive approach that includes sterilization programs, regular vaccinations for stray dogs, and quick responses to reported attacks. They also urge the municipal corporation to improve hospital facilities to ensure timely treatment for dog bite victims.
For now, the victims of Saturday’s rampage are recovering from their injuries, but the scars—both physical and emotional—are likely to linger. As Vasai grapples with the aftermath, residents hope that the authorities will finally take their concerns seriously and implement long-overdue measures to prevent such tragedies in the future.
By taking swift and coordinated action, the Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation has an opportunity to restore the community’s faith and ensure the safety of its residents. The question remains: will they rise to the occasion?
