The Polasara area in Odisha's Ganjam district is on high alert following a series of jackal attacks that have left over 20 people injured across three villages in just two days.
The incidents have triggered widespread fear among residents, prompting demands for compensation for the victims.
According to officials, most of the injured, including many elderly individuals and women, hail from Hatiotta, Jemadeipur Shasan, and Chandramadeipur villages.
They received treatment at the community health centre (CHC) in Polasara.
“We have treated at least 21 patients—mostly elders—who were attacked by jackals. All have been discharged and their condition is stable,” stated Narayan Swain, medical officer at CHC Polasara.
One victim recounted a harrowing experience, stating that a jackal attacked him while he was walking to a pond on Wednesday morning.
“Two persons accompanying me were also attacked by the animal,” he said, noting that the jackal later fled to the neighbouring village of Jemadeipentha after residents chased it away.
The local community is in a state of panic, with many villagers hesitant to venture outside alone.
BK Acharya, divisional forest officer (DFO) for Ghumusar South division, confirmed that a forest team was dispatched to investigate the incidents and assured that compensation would be provided to victims as per government guidelines.
Officials believe the jackals’ increased aggression is due to recent flooding, which has displaced them from their hiding spots, coupled with the mating season. “We are keeping a close watch on the situation,” Acharya added.
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