Jajpur, October 16: A 68-year-old farmer is missing and feared dead after a crocodile reportedly dragged him into the Kharasrota River near Barei village in Odisha’s Jajpur district on Friday morning. Forest personnel and fire services launched a joint search operation to locate him.
The missing man was identified as Gajendra Majhi, a resident of Barei village under the Jajpur Road forest range.
Villagers Unable to Save Him
According to The Times of India report, Majhi was collecting river water in a bucket to irrigate his vegetable field when the attack occurred around 7.30 am. Villagers raised an alarm and attempted to help, but could not prevent the crocodile from pulling him away.
Deccan Chronicle also reported his disappearance following a suspected crocodile attack near Barei, under Panikoili police limits. However, its account differed on why he had approached the riverbank. The precise circumstances remain unclear.
Joint Search Operation Launched
Jajpur Road forest range officer Prasana Sahoo said forest personnel and fire services were searching for the missing farmer, according to the TOI report. His death had not been confirmed in the reports available.
The report also quoted the forest department as saying that compensation of ₹10 lakh would be provided to the family after due inquiry.
River Safety Warnings Renewed
Forest officials are using loudspeakers and leaflets to warn nearby residents about crocodile risks. People have been advised to avoid entering the river and to use designated barricaded bathing areas.
The incident underscores the risks faced by riverside communities whose daily activities bring them close to crocodile habitat.
Sources: The Times of India, as reproduced by Odisha Today; Deccan Chronicle.
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