The Uttar Pradesh (UP) Forest Department has issued "shoot on sight" orders for wolves in the Bahraich district following a series of attacks that have resulted in six deaths and several injuries. The decision comes after numerous attempts to capture the wolves failed, and the attacks have instilled fear among the local population.
The situation escalated after an elderly couple was killed in Pyarepurwa village, Kaiserganj tehsil, allegedly by a man-eating wolf. Khedan (60) and his wife Mankiya (55) were guarding their crops when they were attacked. Villagers claim that the wolf devoured parts of their bodies. In nearby villages, three women sustained injuries from wolf attacks while sleeping. Sebri, one of the injured women, confirmed that the attacker was indeed a wolf.
The forest department has deployed over 30 teams and set up traps in Kaisarganj and Mahsi tehsils in an attempt to catch the wolves. These wolves are believed to be roaming villages along the Ghaghara river, posing a threat to people and livestock. It is estimated that around 10 wolves are currently preying in the hamlets. According to Kaisarganj forest ranger Omkar Nath Yadav, all other options have been exhausted, leading to the request for shoot-on-sight permission after four children were killed in two weeks.
The recent surge in wolf attacks has been attributed to floodwaters that breach embankments along the Ghaghara River during monsoon season. These floods inundate low-lying villages and forests, forcing wolves out of their natural habitats. Wolves typically reside in caves dug in the sandy soil on the outskirts of forests but are driven into populated areas due to the flooding.
Villagers have expressed their frustration and anger towards the forest department, accusing them of arriving late to the scenes and providing misleading information. Some villagers vandalized forest officials' vehicles in protest. Despite the installation of 1,390 electric street lights and 61 solar lights in affected areas, villagers claim that the wolves have become bolder and are attacking even during the day.
In one incident, an eight-year-old boy was dragged away from his house by a wolf in Devanathpurwa village. Alerted by the boy's screams, villagers intervened and rescued him, but he sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment at Maharshi Balark Hospital in Bahraich. Over the past two months, at least four children have died, and more than 18 villagers have been injured in similar attacks.
Political figures have also weighed in on the crisis. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has stated that shoot-at-sight orders should be a last resort. Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, criticized the government's handling of the situation. A Samajwadi Party delegation met with the Bahraich District Magistrate (DM), demanding immediate action, justice for the victims, compensation of ₹10 lakh for the families of the deceased children, and ₹5 lakh for the injured.
Authorities have launched "Operation Bhediya" to track down the wolves, dividing the affected area into seven zones monitored by specialized teams. While four wolves have been captured, the search continues for others believed to be part of the same pack.
