In a chilling incident, a crocodile seized a 57-year-old woman from the Kharasrota River in Eastern India while she was bathing, dragging her into the water as shocked onlookers watched helplessly. Despite efforts from villagers and authorities in a frantic rescue attempt, the victim, identified as Soudamini Mahala, could not be saved and her body remains missing.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attack occurred on Monday afternoon as the woman was pulled into the river by the crocodile. Prompt responses from local police and fire department teams led to a search operation in the river, but to no avail.
According to a local police spokesperson, the tragic incident unfolded when the woman was bathing in the river and was suddenly dragged away by the crocodile, despite villagers’ attempts to intervene. Eyewitness Naba Kishore Mahala described the desperate but unsuccessful rescue efforts.
Authorities are continuing their search in the river and cautioning residents to be wary of crocodile-prone water bodies. A video capturing the harrowing event has circulated widely on social media, sparking concerns for river safety.
This tragic event follows another fatal crocodile attack in India, where a mother-of-three was discovered dead on a riverbank after being attacked by a crocodile while fishing. The incident, which took place on September 19, saw the woman, identified as Laxmi Dalei, dragged into the water by the reptile in the Gobari River near Bhitarkanika National Park in Odishi, India.
The Brahmani River, home to 1,826 saltwater crocodiles, poses risks to public safety if individuals venture into its waters, as highlighted by range officer Santuru. He emphasized the importance of avoiding water bodies known for crocodile activity to ensure personal safety.
