Odisha Crocodile Attack: Elderly Farmer Feared Dead After Being Dragged Into Kharasrota River
A 70-year-old farmer, Pareswar Behera, is feared dead after a saltwater crocodile reportedly dragged him into the swollen Kharasrota river in flood-hit Kendrapara, Odisha. The incident occurred while he was trying to board a boat to reach Ayatana market. Fire services and forest personnel have launched a joint search operation to trace him.
A 70-year-old farmer is feared dead after a saltwater crocodile reportedly attacked and dragged him into the swollen Kharasrota river in Odisha's Kendrapara district on Tuesday morning, August 25. The victim, identified as Pareswar Behera of Gangadharprasaddia village under Rajkanika block, was reportedly trying to board a boat when the crocodile emerged from the floodwater and pulled him into the river.
The incident occurred at around 7.30 am as Gangadharprasaddia remained marooned following recent floods, TNIE reported. Pareswar was attempting to travel to the nearby Ayatana market when the reptile reportedly clamped its jaws around him and dragged him into deeper water. Boatmen and villagers attempted to rescue him but could not locate him. Crocodile Attack in Bahraich: 12-Year-Old Boy Dragged Into Ghaghra River and Eaten Alive, Horrific Video Surfaces.
Crocodile Drags Farmer Into Swollen River in Odisha
According to locals, Pareswar was near the river while attempting to board a boat when the crocodile suddenly emerged from the floodwater. “The crocodile suddenly leapt out of the water and dragged Pareswar into the river. We raised an alarm and tried to save him, but he disappeared within moments,” said Bijay Behera, the boatman.
Villagers and boatmen immediately raised an alarm and tried to rescue the farmer, but the crocodile had already pulled him into the deeper section of the river.
Search Operation Underway
A joint search operation has been launched by the fire services and forest personnel to trace Pareswar. Divisional forest officer (DFO) of Rajnagar Varadaraj Gaonkar said teams from both departments were involved in the search for the missing man. Officials are yet to confirm whether Pareswar has died, with search efforts continuing in the swollen river.
2nd Fatal Crocodile Attack In 3 Weeks
The incident is the second reported fatal crocodile attack in flood-hit villages of Kendrapara district within three weeks. On August 3, Suchitra Das, 46, of Damodarapatana village under Pattamundai block, was taking a bath in the swollen Brahmani river when she was attacked and killed by a saltwater crocodile.
The latest incident has renewed concerns over crocodile attacks in villages located near rivers and waterways connected to the Bhitarkanika ecosystem, particularly during periods of flooding.
7 Deaths In 17 Months
Officials said crocodile attacks have claimed the lives of seven people in and around Bhitarkanika National Park over the past 17 months. Bhitarkanika is one of India's largest mangrove ecosystems and provides a natural habitat for saltwater crocodiles.
According to officials, the area is home to around 1,858 saltwater crocodiles. Rising water levels during floods can bring crocodiles closer to inhabited areas and waterways used by local residents.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 27, 2026 06:12 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
