Kendrapada, Aug 27: The body of Pareswar Behera, who was reportedly dragged into the Kharasrota River by a crocodile two days ago, was recovered near Bania culvert under Katanabania panchayat in Rajkanika police station limits of Kendrapada district on Thursday.
According to eyewitnesses, Behera had gone to cross the river to reach Ayatan market on Tuesday morning. He entered the shallow waters at Gangadharprasaddia village to board a boat when a crocodile lunged at him and dragged him into the river.
Search Operations Continued For Two Days
Following the incident, teams from the Fire Service, Odisha Disaster Rapid Action Force (ODRAF) and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) conducted search operations for two days. However, no trace of Behera was found until locals recovered his body on Thursday.
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Fire Service personnel from Rajkanika and locals were involved in the search operation. Kanika tehsildar Bhanumati Majhi was also present at the spot and monitored the rescue efforts.
Villagers Seek Bridge Across River
Locals said crocodile sightings in the area have become a persistent concern. They said villagers depend on boats to cross the Kharasrota River to access schools, markets and healthcare facilities.
According to the residents, villagers have been demanding construction of a bridge over the river for nearly 40 years.
Behera was unmarried, according to the information available. Police and forest officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.