By Our Correspondent
KENDRAPARA/BHUBANESWAR: The injured Nityananda Patra alias Ranthunu has been shifted to Cuttack for further treatment while panic has gripped sea side villages of Rajkanika and Aul in Kendrapara following the Crocodile attack incident.
The injured, sources said, could have save his life while applying presence of mind as the 16-17 Ft long crocodile drag him to water. Patra showing courage and determination, fought valiantly in the deep water and narrowly escaped from death, sources said.
The incident happened at Badajormunha village under Bharigada Panchayat of Rajkanika block.
According to reports, Nityananda had gone to wash his hands and legs in the Kharasrota river near his house at around 10 pm on Saturday when the reptile all of a sudden pounced on his neck and dragged him to the deep water.
With his life now hanging in balance, Nityananda mustered courage and wrestled the crocodile to free himself. When the crocodile was dragging him into the river, Nityananda grabbed a wire net tied on the river bank to keep out crocodiles. He then pushed the crocodile with his full force and freed himself from the jaws.
Sources said the district administration has put our wired nets on the banks of the river to keep out the large semiaquatic reptiles. However, a portion of the wired net had come off following which, the crocodile came close to the banks of the river. When Nityananda was washing his hands and face, the crocodile grabbed his neck.
Nityananda survived the crocodile attack with deep wounds on his neck and face. He was initially admitted to Aul Community Health Center and later shifted to SCBMCH in Cuttack as his condition was critical, family sources said.
It may be mentioned here that the Bhitarkanika National Park and the adjoining Mahanadi deltaic region are home to more than 1,500 saltwater crocodiles. Lethal assault by the reptiles remains a regular feature in this part of the state.
Local villagers alleged that due to negligence of Forest and Wildlife Department, such incident happening everyday while sea side villagers were the worst victim of crocodile attack in River Kharasrota.
