Gigantic stingray over 12-ft-long lands in fishermen’s net in Odisha’s Konark

In a rare and dramatic catch, fishermen from Astaranga in Puri district caught a gigantic stingray weighing over 100 kilograms and measuring nearly 12 feet in length from the Devi River on Monday. The massive fish has created widespread excitement and curiosity among locals, drawing large crowds to the riverbank.

The incident occurred near Kalia Kana village under Astaranga block, where around 20 fishermen, including Shankar Behera, Jumar Behera, and Gangadhar Behera, were engaged in chain-net fishing in the Devi River. During their routine operation, the enormous stingray became entangled in their net, leaving the fishermen stunned and frightened due to its sheer size and strength.

According to the fishermen, it took nearly two hours of continuous effort and coordination to bring the giant fish ashore. The stingray, commonly found in deeper sea waters, is suspected to have entered the river mouth while searching for food, eventually drifting into the Devi River.

Once brought to the riverbank, the rare catch quickly attracted villagers from surrounding areas. People gathered in large numbers to witness the unusual sight, capturing photos and videos of the giant marine creature.

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The fishermen later sold the stingray for Rs 50,000, and it has reportedly been transported to Kolkata for commercial sale. Marine observers say such large stingrays occasionally enter estuaries but are seldom caught due to their size and elusive behaviour. The rare catch has become the talk of the region, with many calling it one of the biggest stingrays ever trapped in the Devi River in recent years.