Anantnag, Sep 26: Panic gripped the Dooru area of south Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Friday morning after a series of wild animal attacks left five people, including a woman, critically injured.
Locals said a black bear strayed from nearby paddy fields and attacked residents in three separate incidents across Kralmad and Wavthar villages. Four people were injured in the assaults and identified as Saja Banoo of Wavthar, Ghulam Mohammad Bhat of Wavthar, Sabzar Ahmad Seh of Sadiwara, and Abdul Rasheed of Buman Sadiwara. All four are undergoing treatment at Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag.
In a separate incident at Manzmoh village, a leopard mauled Bashir Ahmad Dar, who was also shifted to GMC Anantnag in a critical condition.
Following the incidents, officials from the Control Room in Dooru visited the affected villages to take stock and provide assistance. The consecutive attacks have sparked anger and fear among locals, who accused the Wildlife Department of negligence in controlling the rising movement of wild animals into human habitations.
Residents have urged authorities to take urgent measures such as stepped-up patrolling and protective mechanisms around fields and homes to prevent further tragedies.
