For about one and a half months, the villages of Bahraich in Uttar Pradesh have been plagued by man-eating wolves. These wolf packs have claimed the lives of eight children and women, injuring over 30 people. Last night, a wolf was again spotted in Rajapur Kala village. Villagers made videos, but before the forest department team could catch the wolf, it escaped into the sugarcane fields.
MLA Sureshwar Singh of Mehsi in Bahraich took to the field with his licensed rifle and armed supporters in search of the wolves. His supporters also carried modern weapons. Their late-night patrol with weaponry was intended to instill confidence in the villagers and prepare them to defend against the wolves.
In an exclusive conversation with Aaj Tak, he said that the display of arms is to build trust among the people and not for taking the law into their own hands to kill wildlife. The MLA stated that he represents 400,000 people, and if there's a threat to them, he steps out with his gun to assure them of their safety. When questioned about inciting people, he clarified that he is not encouraging the killing of wildlife but is waiting for the forest department to capture these wolves; otherwise, people may take drastic measures if the situation gets out of hand.
It's worth noting that a few days ago, the MLA and his supporters patrolled the village streets at night with weapons, causing a video to go viral. Now, villagers are staying awake, using not just sticks and torches but also forest department firecrackers to drive away wolves so that they don't enter the village at night.
Three Man-Eating Wolves Captured
According to the district forest department, three man-eating wolves have been captured so far, and it is estimated that three more are active. Drones and tranquilizers are being used to capture the remaining wolves. Officials say that when wolves are unable to hunt their natural prey, they turn to weaker targets like women and children. People are being advised via e-rickshaws to stay indoors after dark.
What Did the Bahraich Forest Officer Say?
Bahraich's Chief Forest Conservator, Renu Singh, mentioned that human-wolf conflict is not a new phenomenon. However, this time, it's reached a more dangerous level. According to our investigation, five children were killed by man-eating wolves, and two cases are suspicious. It appears that the entire wolf family has turned rogue. Three have been captured, and efforts are in full swing to catch the rest soon. We are sensitizing everyone to not venture out with children and to sleep with doors locked. Continuous announcements are being made to make people aware.
In Bahraich, five forest divisions—Bahraich, Katarniaghat Wildlife, Shravasti, Gonda, and Barabanki—have deployed about 25 teams to capture these man-eaters. These wolves have now expanded their range to other areas of the district. While Bahraich's DFO reports a total of six wolves, villagers in affected areas claim there are two dozen.
Wolves Spotted in Rajpur Kala Village - VIDEO
In Arahi village, located on the banks of the Ghaghara river, the forest department has started using firecrackers to drive away any wolves hiding in the fields or riverbanks. These man-eating wolves are highly active in the northern part of the district, especially in areas like Chakia, Sujauli, Nishangara, Mihipurwa, Bichia, and Baghauli forests. The situation is similar in the Katarniaghat region as well.
When Did the Wolf Terror Begin?
The wolf attacks began in Arahi village with two children being attacked. About one and a half months ago, seven-year-old Firoz was attacked by a wolf pack. Sleeping with his mother, a wolf entered their porch around midnight, grabbed his neck, and dragged him away. Despite his mother trying to save him by grabbing his feet, the wolf dragged him about 200 meters into the fields. The villagers gathered when she raised an alarm, causing the wolf to leave the child and escape. The severely injured Firoz was taken to the hospital by his family and villagers and survived after 13 days of treatment. Bite marks from the wolf remain on his face, neck, head, ears, back, and chest, and he shudders at the mention of the wolf.
Wolf Dragged Child While Sleeping with His Mother
The first case that came to light in Arahi village was about a boy named Rahul. When he was seven, earlier this year in March, a wolf snatched him from his mother's lap in their room. His uncle heard the child's cries and discovered that a wolf had dragged him towards the fields. The wolf got caught in a net behind the house and left the child while escaping. The child was gravely injured. This haunting story sends chills down the family's spine every time they recount it.
