BAHRAICH, Jan. 2 -- The forest department late on Thursday evening shot dead the ninth wolf in Uttar Pradesh's Bahraich district, bringing temporary relief to villagers who had been living under constant fear due to repeated wolf sightings and attacks in the area. The operation was carried out in the Saryu riverbed under the Kaiserganj forest range after prolonged efforts to capture the animal alive failed.

According to officials, the department received information about the presence of a wolf in Bhirgu Purwa village of Manjhara Taukli gram panchayat. Acting swiftly, a combing team rushed to the spot and cordoned off the area to prevent the animal from escaping into nearby human settlements.

Divisional forest officer Sundaresha, who ha...