Kendrapara man not as lucky as 7-year-olds, loses life in Croc attack

Kendrapara: In another case of crocodile attack from Kendrapara, a person from Arasa village was killed today by the reptile. The incident occurred at the Baitarani River ghat in Mahuri under Rajkanika block when the deceased identified as Rabinarayan Behera was dragged into the river by a crocodile.

Later the villagers discovered Rabinarayan’s body from the river bed.

According to sources, the family members of the deceased have demanded compensation from the government.

“My father went to the fields to check water level. When he was late to return we went out in search and found that a crocodile has dragged him inside the river and tossing him in and out of water. By the time we intervened, he was no more,” said deceased’s son, Rajesh Behera.

“The place where the attack happened comes under the Bhitarkanika wildlife range and the staffs have been asked to go to the spot. The family of the deceased will be given ex gratia as per the guidelines and we will facilitate the process through which the kin receive the assistance soon,” said Rajkanika DFO, Bimal Prasanna Acharya.

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Crocodile attacks on humans are prevalent in rivers like Baitarini, Brahmani, Kani, Kharashrota of the district. Even reports of crocodile entering villages and attacking humans have been reported.

Recently, a six-year-old girl was attacked by the reptile in a village inside the Bhitarkanika National park, but was fortunate to escape due to the courage of her seven-year-old sister who fought and warded off the animal.