Fatal Crocodile Attack in Odisha: Tragic Death of Manjulata Bhanj

A 50-year-old woman, Manjulata Bhanj, was allegedly killed by a salt-water crocodile in Odisha's Kendrapara district. The incident occurred while she was washing utensils in the Brahmani River. Her body was found the next day, leading to suspicions of a crocodile attack. The family will receive compensation of Rs 6 lakh.

A 50-year-old woman was reportedly killed by a salt-water crocodile in Odisha's Kendrapara district, according to forest officials on Tuesday.

The deceased, identified as Manjulata Bhanj, had gone missing after being dragged away by a crocodile in the Brahmani River while washing utensils. Her body was discovered the following morning.

The incident occurred on Monday evening at the river ghat in Alapuadia village, under the jurisdiction of Pattamundai police station.

"We received information about the incident last evening and notified fire service officials, who promptly began a search operation. Her body was found this morning, and we suspect a crocodile attack," a forest official stated.

The victim's family is entitled to Rs 6 lakh compensation under the government’s scheme for deaths caused by protected wild animals, officials confirmed.

Attacks by reptiles and subsequent retaliation by humans have become common in Kendrapara district, primarily due to intrusions into the animal's habitat for illegal activities.

These incidents typically occur during monsoon and winter, coinciding with the nesting season of estuarine crocodiles.

The salt-water crocodile population in Bhitarkanika has surged from 96 in 1975 to 1,811 in 2024.