Kotturpuram construction worker dies after neglecting stray dog bite treatment

A 45-year-old daily wage labourer died on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, in Kotturpuram, Chennai, one month after he was bitten by a stray dog and failed to seek medical treatment for rabies.

The deceased man has been identified as V. Murugan, a resident of Chitra Nagar in the Kotturpuram area. Murugan worked as a construction worker, primarily earning his livelihood by fixing wall tiles in the local area.

According to information provided by a senior official of the City Police, Murugan was bitten by a stray dog in his locality approximately one month ago. However, he did not take any immediate preventive steps or visit a healthcare facility to receive the essential anti-rabies vaccine. Police sources indicated that Murugan struggled with an addiction to alcohol, which reportedly contributed to his failure to seek medical attention after the dog bite.

On Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Murugan was at work when he suddenly lost consciousness. He was rushed to the Saidapet Government Hospital for emergency medical care. Doctors at the Saidapet facility administered an injection to treat the dog bite, after which Murugan was allowed to return home.

His condition deteriorated the next day. In the early morning hours of Wednesday, July 15, 2026, Murugan fainted again at his home. His family members immediately took him to the Government Royapettah Hospital. However, doctors at the hospital pronounced him dead upon arrival.

The Kotturpuram police were notified of the incident. Officers have transferred the body to the Government Royapettah Hospital mortuary, where it is being kept pending a post-mortem examination. The police have registered a case and are currently investigating the matter further.