Archive · 13 Aug 2026
Pitbull Attacks Patiala Couple Viewing Rental House; Ban Proposed
A man named Ankit and his wife Shifali went to Patiala to look at a house they wanted to rent.
As soon as they opened the gate latch, a big dog called a pitbull ran out and attacked them.
The dog bit Shifali very badly on her arms and legs, and she needed surgery.
Ankit got many bites too, on his legs and back, and needed stitches all over his body.
The dog kept biting them even when its owner tried to stop it.
Neighbours came out with sticks and managed to pull the couple to safety.
A video of the attack was shared online and went viral.
Police saw the video and said they would take legal action once the doctors give their report.
The mayor of Patiala said the city may ban people from keeping aggressive dog breeds as pets.
A few days earlier, another girl was bitten by a stray dog in the city, so many people are worried about safety.
Ankit Sabharwal, a private bank manager, and his wife Shifali, a Chandigarh University professor, were attacked by a pet pitbull in Ghuman Nagar, Patiala, while viewing a house for rent.
Shifali suffered deep bite injuries to her arms and legs that required surgery; she is under observation at a private hospital.
Ankit received stitches all over his body and deep bite injuries on his legs and back while trying to save his wife.
Purported CCTV footage of the attack went viral on social media, showing residents trying to drive the dog away with sticks and pulling the couple to safety.
Patiala Mayor Kundan Gogia said keeping aggressive dog breeds as pets would be banned, with a special resolution to be considered at a municipal corporation House meeting.
- Who
- Ankit Sabharwal, a private bank manager, and his wife Shifali Sabharwal, a professor at Chandigarh University
- What
- A pet pitbull dashed out and mauled the couple when they opened the gate latch of a house they were visiting for rent, causing deep injuries; Shifali required surgery and Ankit received stitches
- When
- Tuesday evening; news reports were published on August 12
- Where
- Ghuman Nagar, Patiala, Punjab
- Why
- The dog attacked as the couple arrived to view a property for rent, and the incident renewed resident safety concerns amid repeated dog attacks in the city
- Attack
- Pet pitbull mauled a couple in Ghuman Nagar, causing deep injuries
- Victims
- Ankit Sabharwal (private bank manager) and Shifali Sabharwal (Chandigarh University professor)
- Location
- Ghuman Nagar, Patiala, Punjab
- Time
- Tuesday evening; reports published August 12
- Injuries
- Shifali underwent surgery on her arms and legs; Ankit received stitches all over his body
- Hospital care
- Shifali is under observation at a private hospital
- Police action
- FIR planned under Section 291 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita after Shifali's medical report
- Mayor's response
- Kundan Gogia proposed banning aggressive dog breeds, with a special resolution to be considered
