A horrifying incident has struck Bahraich, where a wolf dragged a sleeping child for approximately 200 meters before fleeing into the forest. The child, who sustained serious injuries, survived but remains traumatized. This attack is part of a troubling pattern of wolf-related incidents that have plagued the district over the past two months.
Rising Incidents and Community Response
The district has reported seven such attacks in recent weeks, with almost 50 villages affected. “Seven such incidents have been reported in Bahraich so far,” confirmed District Magistrate Monika Rani. The wolves’ rampage has claimed at least eight lives and injured 15 others.
Efforts to address the crisis have intensified. One of the wolves, involved in multiple fatal attacks, was recently captured and tranquilized. It has been transferred to a zoo. Four wolves have been caught so far, with authorities believing two remain at large. The forest department has employed drones and thermal mapping to track and capture these dangerous animals.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Bahraich Forest Department catches the wolf that killed 8 people in Bahraich.
(Video Source: Bahraich Forest Department) pic.twitter.com/qaGAkblyE4
— ANI (@ANI) August 29, 2024
Authorities and Locals Join Forces
Rupendra Gaur, CO of Mahasi, emphasized the ongoing efforts: “Drones, nets, and cages are being used to catch the wolves. We are continuously trying to catch the wolves…We are ensuring that no untoward incident takes place anywhere.” Meanwhile, BJP MLA Sureshwar Singh took a proactive stance by patrolling with rifles and sticks, aiming to boost local morale and provide a sense of security. Singh defended his actions, stating, “This is my fundamental right. Wolf is taking away the children and villagers are scared.”
#WATCH | Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh: Late-night infrared drone shots captured by forest team show the presence of two wolves.
Source: State Forest Department https://t.co/22mwZJs9f6 pic.twitter.com/31qgI5Uzac
— ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2024
State and Forest Officials Take Action
State Forest Minister Arun Saxena assured the public that efforts are underway to capture the remaining wolves. He advised residents to avoid sleeping outdoors and to be vigilant. “We are tracing them (wolves) and hope that they will be caught soon. We are monitoring with drones,” Saxena said.
#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Wolves kill 8 people in Bahraich. Search operations are underway by locals and administration.
DFO Ajeet Pratap Singh says, “… Our drones have captured the movement of a wolve near the village. We have alerted our people in the village… We have… pic.twitter.com/hwdxFVeHzN
— ANI (@ANI) August 28, 2024
Indian Forest Service officer Akashdeep Badhawan, who has been brought in from Barabanki, added, “We had located the wolf in two areas. We are also using two drones to locate it. Hopefully, we will trace it soon. Nets have been placed just to create a mental barrier.”
The collaborative efforts of forest officials, local authorities, and community members aim to restore safety and confidence in Bahraich, as they work tirelessly to resolve this alarming situation.
