The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has issued a ‘shoot on sight’ order for two man-eating wolves that have terrorized the Bahraich district. This directive comes after the wolves were responsible for eight deaths and multiple injuries since July 17.
The move follows the intensification of ‘Operation Bhediya,’ an initiative launched by local authorities to capture the wolves that have been on a killing spree in the region. The wolves’ most recent attack occurred on Monday night, when a five-year-old girl was injured while sleeping next to her grandmother at their home. The girl, who was swiftly rescued and taken to a hospital, is currently undergoing treatment for her injuries.
According to the girl’s grandmother, the wolf attacked them while they were asleep, taking advantage of the fact that their house lacked a door. A neighbor who witnessed the aftermath of the attack mentioned that there was commotion in the area, prompting the forest department’s team to rush to the scene. However, by the time the officials arrived, the wolf had already been chased away by the locals and disappeared into the darkness.
Earlier on Monday, a 45-year-old woman named Suman Devi was also hospitalized following a suspected wolf attack. The total number of deaths due to wolf attacks in Bahraich has now risen to eight, with seven of the victims being children. Additionally, around 30 people have been reported injured due to suspected animal attacks in both Bahraich and the neighboring Sitapur district.
In response to the escalating threat, the Uttar Pradesh government initiated ‘Operation Bhediya’ last month to capture the wolves prowling in Mehsi tehsil of Bahraich district. The Forest Department has employed advanced technologies, including drone cameras and thermal drone mapping, to track and capture the wolves. The Chief Wildlife Warden has also granted permission to tranquilize the animals as part of the efforts to end the attacks.
As the operation continues, the local community remains on high alert, with increased vigilance and precautionary measures to protect themselves from further attacks. The government’s aggressive stance and deployment of resources reflect the urgency to restore safety and normalcy in the affected regions.
