In a shocking incident, a youth went missing after he was reportedly dragged by a crocodile into the river. The incident was reported from Pattamundai area of Kendrapara and the victim has been missing since Friday.
The victim has been identified as Basant Kumar Parida from Srirampur village near Pattamundai. Basant was rearing cattle nearby and had gone to the river to wash himself off, when a crocodile attacked him. With the youth yet to be traced, search operations are underway in the river.
The search operation is being carried out by Fire Services personnel with help of villagers. It is reported that during this time of the year, crocodiles become more hostile and get into places nearby human habitation. In a bid to avoid any human-animal conflict, Forest department officials also carry out awareness drives in these vulnerable areas.