Three-year-old mauled by stray dogs in Attapur; residents blame GHMC inaction

Hyderabad: A three-year-old girl, Nityashri, was injured after being attacked by a group of stray dogs in Vasudev Reddy Nagar Colony, Attapur, under the Rajendranagar area of Ranga Reddy district. The incident occurred when the child was playing outside her residence.

Severe injuries to the face needed 18 stitches

According to family members, the dogs suddenly lunged at the child, causing severe facial injuries. She was rushed to a nearby private hospital, where doctors administered around 18 stitches to her face. Hospital sources said the child’s condition is stable and she is under observation.

Doctors said, “The injuries were deep and required immediate suturing. The child is responding well to treatment, but facial wounds in children require careful follow-up.”

Family struggles with medical costs

Nityashri’s father, who works as an auto driver, said the family has been forced to seek treatment at a private hospital due to the urgency of the injuries.

“We did not have time to think about costs. Saving our child was the only priority,” he said, adding that the medical expenses are difficult for the family to manage.

Residents allege repeated complaints ignored

Following the incident, residents of Vasudev Reddy Nagar Colony gathered outside the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) office to protest. They alleged that the attack could have been prevented if civic authorities had acted on earlier complaints.

“We have been complaining about stray dogs in this area for months,” a resident said, speaking to NewsMeter. “Nothing was done. Today, it is a three-year-old child. Tomorrow it could be anyone.”

Residents claimed that stray dogs roam freely in the colony, especially during early mornings and evenings, posing a risk to children and elderly people.

Threat of a sit-in protest

Protesters warned that they would escalate their agitation if immediate action is not taken. “If GHMC does not address this issue, we will sit in protest until concrete steps are announced,” another resident said.

Civic responsibility under scrutiny

The incident has once again raised questions about stray dog management, including sterilisation, vaccination and monitoring, especially in residential areas of Hyderabad. Residents are demanding urgent measures to prevent similar attacks and ensure public safety.

GHMC officials have not issued a detailed statement yet, but sources said the matter has been brought to the notice of the department concerned.