Overview

• The 45-year-old victim, identified as Kajal Mohanty of Tanladia village, was attacked on June 16 while washing clothes and bathing in the Kharasrota River.
• Her 13-year-old daughter witnessed the crocodile drag her beneath the water, and villagers alongside fire service teams have been searching the river without success.
• Officials say 11 people have died in similar fatal encounters over the past 22 months in the rivers near Bhitarkanika National Park.
• The forest department will provide an ex-gratia payment of Rs 10 lakh to the bereaved family after completion of medico-legal formalities.
• Local residents are urging authorities to increase riverbank patrols and install warning signs to prevent further fatalities.