Daughter of Retired IAS in Gandhinagar dies of Rabies

Gandhinagar: In a distressing incident that has sent a wave of concern through the local community, the married daughter of a prominent retired IAS officer has passed away after contracting rabies. The victim, who was associated with a renowned school in Gandhinagar, succumbed to the disease on the morning of January 17th.

The sequence of events began approximately four months ago when the woman was playing with a Beagle dog (not her own) and reportedly contracted the infection(reportedly through nail scratch of dog). According to the sources, symptoms of rabies did not become apparent until the end of December. As her condition surfaced, she was admitted to a private hospital near Bhat Circle on December 30th for specialized treatment.

The victim’s father is a well-known figure in the state administration, having served as an Additional Chief Secretary in the Gujarat government before his retirement in 2001.

Medical experts and local authorities have highlighted this case as a critical reminder for the public, particularly those who keep pets or interact with animals. The delayed onset of symptoms—manifesting months after the initial contact with the dog—underscores the lethal nature of the rabies virus and the vital importance of immediate medical intervention and vaccination following any potential exposure.

The incident has sparked renewed discussions among pet owners in the city regarding the necessity of regular animal vaccinations and the safety protocols required when handling domestic breeds like Beagle.