Jajpur, 8th Oct 2025: A crocodile dragged a woman away while she had gone to the riverbank for defecation. The victim, Soudamini Mahala (57), from Kantia village under Boduapanchayat in Bari block, was pulled into the river by a crocodile.
This incident occurred this afternoon when Soudamini went to the riverbank. Suddenly, a crocodile leapt out and grabbed her. Hearing her screams, local residents rushed to the spot and tried to create a commotion to scare the animal. However, the crocodile had already dragged her deep into the river.
The terrifying sight of the crocodile drowning Soudamini caused panic among the onlookers. No one dared to intervene or rescue her from the jaws of the crocodile.
Even though water levels in various rivers across the district are currently low, crocodile sightings and attacks are spreading fear among locals. Despite repeated warnings by the district administration to avoid entering rivers, the carelessness of riverside residents—many of whom depend on the river for their daily livelihood—has led to such tragic incidents.
Upon receiving information from villagers, fire and rescue teams arrived at the scene and have launched a search operation, which is still ongoing.
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