India, May 23 -- A nine-year-old boy was critically injured after being attacked by a pack of stray dogs in Odisha's Ganjam district, triggering panic and renewed concerns over increasing dog attacks in the region.

The incident took place in the Patapur area in Ganjam district when the child was reportedly playing outside his house. According to local residents, five to seven aggressive stray dogs suddenly surrounded the boy and attacked him before anyone could intervene.

The child sustained severe injuries to his face and skull during the attack. Eyewitnesses said the dogs mauled the boy so brutally that he was unable to escape from their grip until nearby locals rushed to the spot and rescued him.

The injured boy was first taken to ...