A tragic crocodile attack in Uttar Pradesh’s Bahraich district claimed the life of a 12-year-old boy, once again highlighting the dangers faced by communities living along rivers inhabited by large reptiles. The incident occurred on the banks of the Ghaghra River, where the child was attacked while returning from agricultural work.

The Incident

The victim, identified as Sunil Singh, had accompanied his uncle, Udayraj Singh, to work in a paddy field near Tikuri village under the Bondi police station area. After completing the day’s work, the boy went to the riverbank to wash his hands and feet before heading home.

Without warning, a crocodile emerged from the water and grabbed the child, dragging him into the river. His desperate cries for help alerted his uncle, who rushed to the spot and attempted to rescue him. According to eyewitnesses, the uncle struggled with the crocodile for nearly seven minutes, trying to pull the boy free. Despite his courageous efforts, the reptile overpowered him and disappeared into the river with the child. Villagers also gathered quickly and hurled stones and bricks at the crocodile in an attempt to scare it away, but their efforts proved unsuccessful.

Search Operation

Police personnel and officials from the Forest Department launched an extensive search operation immediately after the attack. Rescue teams deployed nets and searched the river for nearly five hours before recovering the boy’s body later in the day, bringing the heartbreaking operation to an end.

Family Tragedy

Officials said the victim had already lost his parents and was living with his uncle, making the incident even more devastating for the family. The Uttar Pradesh administration has announced an ex gratia compensation of ₹4 lakh for the bereaved family.

Renewed Concerns

The fatal attack has renewed concerns over human-crocodile conflict along the Ghaghra River. Residents of riverside villages have long complained about crocodile sightings near agricultural fields and bathing areas, where people frequently come into close contact with the water. Conservation experts note that increased human activity along riverbanks, especially during the monsoon and farming season, raises the risk of encounters with crocodiles.

Forest officials are expected to monitor the area closely, while local residents have urged authorities to increase surveillance, install warning signs, and launch awareness campaigns to reduce the risk of further attacks.

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