Kakkanad: A stray dog caused panic and left eight people injured during an attack at the driving test ground near the Thrikkakara Municipal Ground at around 8:30 am on Monday. The incident began when the dog, suspected of rabies, first attacked stray dogs and a cat in nearby bushes before charging into the driving test ground and the surrounding roads, biting anyone in its path.

After an intense search, the dog was found dead near the police quarters. Those injured include Diya Suchitra Krishna (19) from Thammanam, who had come for her driving test; Alfi (28), a trainer from Friends Driving School; Shalu (32), who accompanied a test-taker; Abhishek Abhilash (17), a student at Thrikkakara Cardinal School; Rahim (22) and Farooq (25); Siju Varghese (47), all natives of Kakkanad; and a woman from the area.

Municipal authorities, suspecting rabies, have sent the dog's body to Thrissur Mannuthy Hospital for further examination.

The attack occurred when motor vehicle inspectors were overseeing driving tests. Diya was bitten on her knee while waiting to perform her 'H' test. Alfi, who attempted to intervene, was bitten on the leg, although his jeans provided some protection. The dog then lunged at others on the ground, prompting many to flee, but not before Shalu was bitten.

The dog continued its biting, attacking a woman heading to a nearby temple and several pedestrians, including students Abhishek, Rahim, Farooq, and Siju Varghese, before eventually making its way to the police quarters, where it was found dead.

Thrikkakara Municipal Secretary T.K. Santosh urged all those injured in the incident to report their names to the municipality council for necessary assistance.