Kendrapara: A fisherman from Kaunsapal village went missing while fishing in the crocodile-infested Gobari river on Tuesday, sparking fears of a fatal attack by a saltwater crocodile. The missing fisherman has been identified as Deba Mandal.
Locals raised the alarm after discovering Mandal’s fishing net abandoned near the riverbank, with no trace of the man. Villagers strongly suspected that a crocodile had dragged him into the deep waters, a recurring danger in the region close to Bhitarkanika National Park, known for its large crocodile population.
Upon being alerted, forest department officials and fire services immediately launched a search and rescue operation. Around 10 to 12 mechanized boats were deployed to comb the river and its surroundings in an effort to locate the missing fisherman.
The Gobari river, a tributary in the Mahakalapada area, has witnessed several human-crocodile conflicts in recent years, with villagers often venturing into the waters for fishing and other livelihood activities despite the risks.
Search efforts continued into the evening, with authorities urging caution near crocodile habitats. No confirmation on Mandal’s status has been reported yet.
