An eight-year-old girl was brutally attacked by stray dogs at Bhagu village near here on Monday evening, leaving her critically injured with around 40 bite wounds.The girl was playing near her house when the dogs suddenly attacked and dragged her towards nearby fields. The girl’s mother and some neighbours rushed to her rescue after hearing her cries and managed to chase away the dogs. She was admitted to the Women and Children hospital here.Meanwhile, the incident triggered panic in the village. Some residents alleged that the stray dog population had increased alarmingly, accusing the authorities of inaction despite repeated complaints. They demanded immediate and effective measures to control the stray dog menace to prevent such incidents.