Barwani (Madhya Pradesh): MP Gajendra Singh Patel on Wednesday visited Limbai village to meet families of victims who died after being bitten by a yet-to-be-identified wild animal.
The animal had bitten 17 people on May 5 while they were sleeping outside their homes, and six of them have already died.
He expressed his condolences to the bereaved families and gathered detailed information about the incident. He assured them of all possible support during this difficult time.
He also facilitated a direct conversation between the families and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who approved financial assistance of Rs 8 lakh for each deceased's family.
MP Patel distributed cheques and acceptance letters for financial aid to families of victims Mansharam Chhaganlal (58), Sunil (39), Sursingh (51), Sadaibai (65), Chainsingh (62) and Raikibai (82). He gave assurance of enhancement of security measures by the government to prevent the occurrence of such incidents in the future.
The situation has prompted a massive search operation by the forest department after villagers reported sightings of a ‘hyena’ in the area, officials said on Wednesday. The yet-to-be-identified animal is suspected to have been infected with the rabies virus, though confirmation is awaited pending lab reports.
All the victims were administered anti-rabies vaccines, an official said. However, between May 23 and June 2, six of them succumbed, officials confirmed.
Forest range officer Vikas Jamre said "Pugmarks suspected to belong to a hyena have been found and based on this, our search operations have been intensified," he said. Barwani Chief Medical and Health Officer Dr Surekha Jamre said
"All others who were bitten are under observation and in stable condition," she said. Additionally, Barwani collector Ghuncha Sanobar also visited the village and spoke with the families of the injured and residents.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA Hiralal Alawa requested government compensation and a thorough investigation into the incident. MLA Montu Solanki urged CM Yadav to provide Rs 50 lakh each to deceased's families members and Rs 20 lakh each to the injured. He also cited negligence by the Health and Forest Departments.
