Following recent wolf attacks in Bahraich, a jackal has now wreaked havoc in the villages of Suswar and Pansoli in Pilibhit district, Uttar Pradesh. The wild animal has injured 10 people and spread fear over a one-kilometer radius. The situation escalated on Friday morning when the jackal attacked a three-year-old girl, Khushi, in Suswar village.
This new threat comes amid ongoing wolf terror in Bahraich, where wolves have killed more than 10 people, including children, since March.
Virpal, a local resident, described the terrifying ordeal. At around 8 a.m., Khushi was playing near a canal bridge when the jackal seized her and attempted to drag her away. Hearing the commotion, villagers quickly mobilized, pursuing the jackal and making loud noises. The frightened animal released Khushi, leaving her with deep wounds but narrowly averting a potentially fatal fall into the canal. Her slippers were lost in the water during the struggle.
Khushi is currently receiving treatment for her injuries at the Community Health Center (CHC). Other victims of the jackal’s attacks, including Roshni and Pankaj, have also been treated for their wounds and given vaccinations for tetanus and rabies.
Manish Singh, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) at Pilibhit Tiger Reserve, commented on the situation, explaining that jackals typically inhabit populated areas and are generally not considered dangerous. However, this particular jackal appeared to be rabid, prompting immediate medical attention for the injured.
The incident has caused a stir among villagers, leading to rumors of the jackal being killed. Despite the uproar, forest department officials have yet to confirm these reports. A team was dispatched to investigate, but the jackal has not been located. Authorities have increased surveillance in the affected areas to prevent further incidents.
The jackal attacks have left the local communities shaken, but the swift response of the villagers and medical teams has ensured that the injured are on the path to recovery.