Karnataka girl, 4, dies of rabies in Bengaluru hospital months after stray dog attack

A four-year-old girl from Davangere, Karnataka, died of rabies on Tuesday, four months after being mauled by a stray dog. The child, identified as Khadeera Banu, was undergoing treatment at Bengaluru’s Rajiv Gandhi Hospital, where she succumbed despite prolonged medical intervention.

The incident occurred in April when Khadeera was playing inside her house. A stray dog entered and attacked her, biting her on the face and other body parts. She was rushed to a local hospital in Davangere and later transferred to Bengaluru for advanced treatment. Doctors continued treatment for months, but her condition worsened, leading to her death.

The case has highlighted concerns over the rising number of rabies deaths following dog bites in Karnataka. Earlier this month, Karnataka Lokayukta Justice BS Patil expressed concern over the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) inability to effectively manage stray dog attacks. An independent investigation led by Dr Vamshikrishna, Superintendent of Police (Urban Division), found serious lapses, including the absence of observation homes for aggressive dogs.

At the national level, the Supreme Court recently ordered relocation of stray dogs from Delhi-NCR residential areas to designated shelters. The court said the shelters must be managed by professionals to ensure sterilisation, vaccination, and proper handling of the animals. It also warned of strict action against organisations or individuals obstructing the process.

The directive led to protests from animal rights groups, who challenged the order and alleged indiscriminate picking up of dogs by civic authorities. Days later, another bench of the Supreme Court questioned why some authorities acted even before the order was officially released. The matter has been reserved for further judgment.