Kendrapara: An elderly man was allegedly dragged into a river by a crocodile while trying to board a boat in the Rajkanika area of Kendrapada district on Tuesday.
The missing person has been identified as Pareshwar Behera, a resident of Gangadhar Prasad Dia village.
According to local sources, Behera was approaching a boat to cross the strong-current river to reach Ayata Bazaar when the incident occurred.
Eyewitnesses said a crocodile suddenly pulled him into the water. The incident has created an atmosphere of fear in the area.
Upon receiving information, the fire service team reached the spot and launched a search operation in the river to locate the missing man. Till the last report came in, rescue efforts were continuing.
Local residents have expressed growing concern over the presence of crocodiles in the river.
