Kendrapara: A youth narrowly escaped a crocodile attack, thanks to the presence of mind of two women. The incident was reported from Badatubira village under Mahakalapada police limits in Kendrapara district today.
Sources said the youth identified as Kina Mandal had gone to a nullah close to his village to attend nature’s call this morning when a crocodile attacked him. The reptile pounced on him and dragged him into the water body.
Two women who witnessed the event, started shouting and pelting stones at the reptile following which the crocodile left the youth and swam away. The youth was rescued and later rushed to Ramnagar medical for treatment.
Crocodiles frequent the water body since it is connected to Bhitarakanika, informed locals, adding that despite frequent crocodile attacks in the area, forest officials have not taken any concrete steps to check the menace.
“Though the forest officials have earlier cautioned the villagers about possible crocodile attacks, they have not taken any steps to keep the reptiles at bay,” said a villager.
It may be mentioned here that incidents of crocodile attacks were reported from Aul, Rajkanika, Pattamundai, Mahakalapada and Rajnagar areas of the district in the recent past.