Pitbull Attacks Patiala Couple While Viewing Rental Home, Woman Undergoes Plastic Surgery

Patiala: A Patiala couple was seriously injured after a pet pitbull suddenly attacked them while they were visiting a house in Ghuman Nagar to view it for rent. The incident, which took place on Tuesday evening, was captured on purported CCTV footage that has since surfaced on social media.

The victims, identified as Ankit Sabharwal, a private bank manager, and his wife Shifali Sabharwal, a professor at Chandigarh University, had gone to inspect the property along with a property dealer. According to Ankit, the attack began when the gate of the house was opened and the pitbull suddenly dashed out and attacked his wife.

The dog mauled Shifali's arm and other parts of her body, leaving her with deep bite injuries. She was taken to a private hospital, where she underwent plastic surgery and remains under treatment. Ankit also suffered deep bite wounds to his legs and back while attempting to rescue his wife.

"I have received stitches all over my body. My wife has undergone surgery on her arms and legs. I want justice," Ankit said, according to India Today. He also alleged that the dog did not stop even after its owner attempted to intervene. His wife remains under observation following the surgery.

The purported CCTV footage shows the couple struggling to escape as the dog attacks them. Several nearby residents can be seen attempting to drive the animal away with sticks. A woman emerges from the house carrying a stick but is unable to stop the attack. Two or three other people then approach and eventually manage to pull the injured couple away from the dog.

Ankit said police had been informed and sought action against those allegedly responsible for allowing the dog to roam freely. Following the circulation of the video, police took cognisance of the incident, verified the footage and contacted the family.

DSP Jangjit Randhawa said legal action would be taken after Shifali's medical report is received. Police said an FIR would be registered under Section 291 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in cases where a pet animal bites or injures a person. Police also indicated that action concerning dangerous dog breeds would be taken in accordance with court orders.

The attack has also triggered a fresh debate over the keeping of aggressive dog breeds in Patiala. Mayor Kundan Gogia said keeping aggressive dog breeds as pets would be banned in the city. He said the issue would be taken up at a municipal corporation House meeting, where a special resolution could be considered.

The incident comes days after another dog attack in Patiala. On August 9, a girl was allegedly mauled by a stray dog while passing through the Guru Nanak Nagar area, further raising concerns over public safety and dog attacks in the city.

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