At least 11 people, including women and children, were injured after a rabid fox ventured into a residential area and launched a series of attacks in Santhia Upazila of Pabna. The frantic animal was later beaten to death by united locals.
The incident occurred on Wednesday between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM across the Shalghar area of Ward No. 7 under Santhia Municipality and neighboring Gaurigram.
According to local residents, the ordeal began when Md. Rafiq of Shalghar went to retrieve a goat tied near a pond close to his home. The rabid fox suddenly ambushed him before barging into several nearby households, biting people indiscriminately.
The victims from Shalghar were identified as Suraiya (5), Alo Khatun (35), and Shonia (10). Others injured in the attack from Satbila village under Gaurigram Union include Sinha (3), Zubaida (4), Lakhi (30), Mongla Khatun (70), Bayazid (6), Hena (42), Shamsur (22), and Shahida Begum (50).
The sudden rampage triggered severe panic throughout the locality. To defend themselves, over a hundred villagers armed with sticks scoured the area. Around 5:00 PM, they traced the fox to a nearby bush and beat it to death.
Dr. Mahfuz Alam, duty physician at the emergency department of Santhia Upazila Health Complex, confirmed that the injured received immediate primary care alongside anti-rabies vaccinations. Although the animal was eliminated, fear and anxiety continue to prevail among local residents.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Pabna Correspondent (M. S. Rahman) • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
