10 August,2026 01:38 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
Officials described the animal as rabid. Represenatational Pic/File
Nearly 130 people were allegedly attacked and bitten by a stray dog within seven hours in Kalyan West in Maharashtra's Thane district, leaving 25 victims hospitalised and an 11-year-old girl seriously injured, civic health officials said on Monday, reported the PTI.
The attacks began around 2 pm on Sunday near the Sandeep Hotel area, where the dog reportedly targeted pedestrians, people on two-wheelers and passengers in auto-rickshaws.
According to eyewitnesses and Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) health officials, the dog repeatedly attacked people from behind as they walked along roads and narrow lanes, the news agency reported.
Panic spread across areas including Birla College Road, the Old RTO Office and Bhoirwadi. Many residents remained indoors and kept children away from playgrounds despite it being a Sunday.
Officials described the animal as rabid, according to the PTI.
At least 25 victims are undergoing treatment at the civic-run Rukminibai Hospital, officials said.
An 11-year-old girl who suffered serious injuries was shifted to Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General Hospital, commonly known as Sion Hospital, in Mumbai for advanced medical treatment.
Dr Sandeep Pagare, medical officer at Rukminibai Hospital, said between 110 and 130 dog-bite cases had been registered by Sunday evening. Several victims were discharged after receiving first aid, as per the PTI.
The incident has triggered anger among local residents, who alleged that the KDMC was slow to respond to repeated calls for help.
Residents claimed that their distress calls went unanswered during the Sunday holiday and demanded an inquiry into the civic body's response.
Some locals have also called for a probe into the municipal dog sterilisation centre, which has previously faced allegations of corruption, the news agency reported
The civic authorities have not yet confirmed whether the dog has been located and captured.
The incident has also renewed concerns over stray dog attacks in residential areas.
The Supreme Court had previously directed authorities to remove stray dogs from public and institutional spaces, including hospitals, schools and transport hubs, and shift them to designated shelters.
The court also declined in May this year to dilute its November 2025 order.
Meanwhile, authorities are expected to assess the situation and take further action to prevent additional attacks in the affected areas.
(with PTI inputs)
