Bear mauls mother-son duo in Qazigund

Qazigund, May 30: A mother and her son sustained serious injuries after they were attacked by a bear in Gujjar Basti Lammer area of Qazigund in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Saturday, with the woman later shifted to Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag for advanced treatment.
The incident has raised concern among local inhabitants, who said increasing movement of wild animals in the area was posing a threat to public safety.
The injured were identified as Raqiya, wife of Bashir Ahmad Chechi, and Saqib Ahmad Chechi, son of Bashir Ahmad Chechi, residents of Chechi Mohalla, Gujjar Basti Lammer.
According to local sources, the mother and son were attacked by a wild bear, leaving both of them severely injured. Soon after the incident, local residents rushed to their aid and shifted them to a nearby health facility for immediate medical attention.
After receiving first aid, doctors referred both injured persons to Emergency Hospital Qazigund for specialized treatment. However, owing to the severity of her injuries, Raqiya was subsequently shifted to Government Medical College Anantnag for advanced medical care, while Saqib Ahmad Chechi continues to undergo treatment.
Locals urged the Wildlife Department to take effective preventive measures to avoid such incidents and ensure the safety of inhabitants living in vulnerable areas. [KNT]