Operation Bhediya in Crisis: Man-Eater Wolf Strikes Again, Claims Another Child in Bahraich
A recent wolf attack in Thalia village, Bahraich, Uttar Pradesh, has resulted in the tragic death of a three-year-old girl and injuries to two women, igniting local outrage over authorities’ slow response. The attack occurred around 3:35 a.m. when the girl’s mother discovered her daughter was missing, later finding her with bite marks on both arms. Frustrated residents claimed they mistook the wolf for a dog when it first approached, expressing anger at the forest department’s request for video evidence of the wolf’s presence, as capturing such footage was nearly impossible.
District Magistrate Monika Rani acknowledged the challenges of capturing the elusive wolves, noting that they frequently change their locations. “The biggest problem is that the wolf changes its activity every 5-6 days,” she stated. Chief Forest Conservator Renu Singh confirmed the use of drones in tracking the wolves, reporting the capture of four wolves while two remain at large.
The forest department has implemented safety measures, including laying traps and using firecrackers to deter the animals. Despite these efforts, residents remain dissatisfied, with one local expressing disappointment in the administration’s handling of the situation.
In light of the attacks, at least 35 villages in Bahraich are on high alert. “Operation Bhediya” is underway, with forest teams conducting nightly patrols to protect the community. DM Monika Rani has urged villagers to stay vigilant and take precautions, particularly encouraging families to sleep indoors.
Recent incidents have escalated safety concerns, with a total of eight children and one woman killed by wolves in the last month and a half. The ongoing operation aims to ensure the safety of the affected villages and put an end to the attacks.
