India, Jan. 13 -- Panic spread across Phursungi on Sunday after a stray dog went on a biting spree, nipping at least 25 persons including children, women and senior citizens within a span of two hours that day. The incident once again brought to the fore the contentious issue of managing stray dogs, officials said.

Eyewitnesses said that the dog wreaked havoc in the gaothan area, going on to target people in busy locations such as Khandoba Mala, bus stand, local market and Kamthe Aali. Locals were afraid that the dog might be rabid and pass on the disease to them.

Dhananjay Kamthe, a local, said that at least 21 people have been bitten thus far. "People are scared to step out of their homes. The municipal council should immediately capt...