Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has sanctioned ₹3 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Distress Relief Fund (CMDRF) to a five-year-old girl from Venganoor, Thiruvananthapuram, who suffered severe facial injuries in a stray dog attack in July 2023.

The child, Agnimithra M M, daughter of Manoj C, sustained a deep forehead wound and underwent plastic surgery and related procedures at KIMS Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. She continues to require follow-up treatment.

The relief was approved as a special case on the recommendation of the Thiruvananthapuram district collector after her father pointed out that no aid had been received from the Justice (Retd.) Siri Jagan Committee, despite requests. The committee, constituted by the Supreme Court, is responsible for recommending compensation to victims of stray dog attacks. The apex court had earlier directed the state to ensure compliance with its recommendations, warning that failure to do so could result in contempt proceedings.

According to the current government order, Agnimithra's family had already spent nearly ₹3 lakh on medical care. With an annual income of just ₹42,000 and further laser procedures pending, the state directed that the sanctioned sum be released immediately through the district collector.

Data presented in the Assembly highlights the growing threat of stray dog attacks in Kerala. In 2023 alone, the state reported 3.06 lakh dog bite cases and 25 rabies deaths, compared to 1.35 lakh cases and 8 deaths in 2017 — a 127 per cent rise in bites and over 200 per cent jump in rabies fatalities. In 2024, the Siri Jagan Committee, in its 41st report, recommended compensation worth ₹63.59 lakh for 34 victims of stray dog attacks.