Jajpur, Sept 29: At least 13 people, including a child and eight women, were injured after a suspected rabid jackal attacked villagers in Tarakot village under Korai block of Jajpur district.

According to information, the jackal entered the village around 10 pm and first attacked a child, leaving the child seriously injured. It then attacked 12 more people in the area.

All the injured were taken to the Korai Community Health Centre for treatment. The injured include one child, eight women and four men, according to the health centre.

After receiving information, a team from the Jajpur Road Forest Range reached the village. Forest officials warned villagers to remain alert and launched a search operation to catch the jackal.

Villagers have also been keeping watch in the area with sticks and other items for protection. However, the jackal has not yet been found due to the darkness.

Forest officials have advised people to remain cautious and avoid going out alone at night until the animal is caught.