Pune: 11-Year-Old Boy Dies of Rabies After Dog Bite in Daund; Incident Hidden from Family

Daund, 31st May 2025: In a heartbreaking incident from Khutbav in Daund taluka, an 11-year-old boy died of rabies after being bitten by a pet dog nearly two months ago. The boy, Shaurya Kharade, son of former Nanagaon Gram Panchayat Deputy Sarpanch Ganesh Kharade, had reportedly hidden the bite incident from his family, which tragically delayed necessary medical treatment.

According to reports, on March 19, the day of Rangpanchami, Shaurya was sitting in front of his house when he was scratched by the family’s own dog named Moti, who showed signs of aggression and later disappeared. Fearing consequences, Shaurya kept the incident a secret from his parents.

Two months later, on Sunday, May 26, Shaurya participated joyfully in his aunt’s wedding. However, the following day he began experiencing pain in his limbs. After visiting a private doctor, he was sent home with preliminary treatment. Over the next few hours, classic symptoms of rabies—such as hydrophobia (fear of water), neck stiffness, and excessive salivation—started to appear.

Sensing the seriousness of the condition, Dr. Bharat Khaladkar advised the family to admit Shaurya to Naidu Hospital in Pune. Daund MLA Rahul Kul intervened and coordinated with Sassoon Hospital to have Shaurya tested for rabies. Sadly, the test returned positive, confirming the infection.

Despite efforts to provide urgent medical care, Shaurya passed away at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, at Naidu Hospital.

Shaurya was a 7th-grade student at New English School, Pargaon. His final rites were performed at midnight in Nanagaon’s crematorium, attended by hundreds of grieving villagers. The atmosphere was filled with sorrow as the Kharade family—already shattered by the loss of their only son—broke down during the funeral.