36 Injured After Suspected Rabid Stray Dog Attacks Wedding Guests in Badaun, Sparks Panic and Public Outcry

A wedding celebration in the Bilsi area of Badaun district turned into a scene of fear and distress on Monday morning when a stray dog, suspected to be infected with rabies, entered a banquet hall and attacked guests.

The sudden attack disrupted the ceremony, sending people scrambling for safety.

Guests attempted to protect themselves and one another, but in the chaos, many suffered injuries—primarily to their hands and chest.

What should have been a moment of joy quickly descended into panic as the animal moved unpredictably through the crowd.

According to local accounts, the dog had earlier attacked a young street vendor before entering the wedding venue.

Its aggression intensified inside the hall, and efforts by those present to drive it away appeared to provoke further attacks.

Among the injured was 47-year-old Ranjana Varshney, who had been attending the ceremony with family members.

Her relative, Anurag Varsheny, described the ordeal, saying that attempts to chase the dog away only made it more violent.

The animal attacked several people before fleeing the venue and continuing its rampage on nearby streets, where it also targeted pedestrians and livestock.

By Tuesday, when the dog was seen again in the locality, frightened residents reportedly killed it, bringing an end to the immediate threat but also underscoring the level of fear and anger within the community.

Health officials confirmed that at least 36 people were injured in the attacks. All were taken to the Bisauli Community Health Centre, where they received medical care, including anti-rabies vaccinations.

Dr. Anil Verma, the Medical Officer at the facility, stated that each patient was given the first dose of the vaccine and advised to complete the full course in the coming days.

Three individuals with more serious chest injuries were referred to the district hospital, though their condition is reported to be stable.

Veterinary authorities indicated that the dog displayed clear symptoms consistent with rabies.

Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Samdarshi Saroj noted that this was the first incident of its kind reported in the Bilsi area.

The incident has triggered strong reactions from residents, who staged protests and called for immediate administrative action to control the stray dog population.

Many expressed concern over public safety and demanded preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.

Police officials from the Bisauli station stated that they had not received prior information about the attacks and were unaware of the animal’s killing at the time.

Beyond the immediate injuries, the episode has left a deep emotional impact—transforming a day meant for celebration into one marked by fear, urgency, and a renewed demand for accountability and public safety.