Boudh, Oct 5: A young man had a narrow escape after being attacked by a crocodile while taking a bath in the Mahanadi River in Boudh district. The incident took place at Marda Ghat under Harabhanga block.
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The victim, identified as Sudhir Behera, was bathing in the river when a mugger crocodile suddenly grabbed his left leg and dragged him into the water.
As he struggled for his life, Sudhir managed to grab hold of a tree branch submerged in the river. Clinging tightly to it, he cried out for help while the crocodile continued to hold onto his leg. He reportedly battled the reptile for nearly one-and-a-half hours.
Hearing his cries, Sudhir's relative and launch driver Chhabindra Behera rushed to the spot. Seeing Sudhir trapped in the crocodile's grip, Chhabindra informed local resident Pramod Pradhan, following which the two entered the river to rescue him.
Risking their own lives, the duo managed to pull Sudhir away from the crocodile after a prolonged struggle.
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Following the rescue, Sudhir was initially taken to Purunakotak Hospital in a vehicle belonging to the Mahanadi Wildlife Division. However, as his condition deteriorated, he was later shifted to the Boudh District Headquarters Hospital for further treatment.
The incident has triggered concern among locals, with residents calling for increased vigilance and necessary measures to prevent further crocodile attacks in the Mahanadi.
