A husband and wife were hospitalised after a pet pitbull attacked them in Patiala’s Ghuman Nagar area, leaving the woman with severe injuries that required plastic surgery and injuring her husband when he tried to rescue her.
The victims have been identified as Shifali Sabharwal, a professor at Chandigarh University, and her husband Ankit Sabharwal, a manager at a private bank.
According to the family, the couple had visited a house in Ghuman Nagar when the incident occurred. As soon as the gate was opened, a pet pitbull allegedly charged at Shifali and attacked her, causing serious injuries.
Seeing his wife being mauled, Ankit intervened to save her but was also attacked by the dog during the struggle. Both suffered injuries and were rushed to Amar Hospital for treatment.
Shifali’s condition was reported to be serious enough to require plastic surgery, while both she and her husband remain under medical care.
The incident came to light after a video of the attack circulated on social media, prompting police to take cognisance of the matter.
DSP Jangjit Randhawa said police verified the viral video and contacted the affected family. He confirmed that the injured woman had undergone surgery and that further legal action would be taken after medical reports are received.
Police said an FIR could be registered under Section 291 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with negligent conduct involving animals that endangers human life or causes injury.
Randhawa added that authorities would also examine compliance with court directions and regulations concerning dangerous dog breeds. He indicated that a verification drive related to such breeds could be launched after August 15.
Police said further action will be based on medical reports and the findings of the investigation.
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