Forest department captures 7-foot crocodile after 15-day search in central India, bringing relief to villagers
by Aditi VermaAfter 15 days of fear and sightings, a massive 7-foot crocodile was finally captured by the forest department in central India’s Madhya Pradesh with the help of local villagers. The successful rescue ended a long-standing threat to the local community.
The incident took place between Purenaoh and Tappariyan villages, near a petrol pump near Purenaoh (Jabera), a village close to the Damoh-Jabalpur National Highway on October 19.
Visuals showed a crocodile’s snout was carefully tied with a rope first, ensuring it was securely restrained. The team worked cautiously to avoid any sudden movements from the reptile. Once the snout was bound, the team, with great precision and coordination, successfully rescued the crocodile. They lifted it gently and placed it into a waiting vehicle, ensuring the process was smooth and safe for both the team and the crocodile.
The crocodile, sighted multiple times in the Purenaoh (Jabera) area, had instilled fear among the villagers, with many witnessing its movement daily. Despite repeated attempts by the forest department to capture the reptile, it had evaded capture several times, heightening the fear in the community.
The forest department was immediately alerted, and a rescue team led by Singorgarh Ranger Qureshi, along with Game Supervisor Harlal Raikwar, Guard Jhlakan Sahu, and Vinod Sahu, arrived at the scene. With assistance from local villagers, including Ghanshyam Yadav, Kamlesh Ghose, and Rajesh Lodhi, a 5-hour-long rescue operation commenced.
Despite the crocodile becoming aggressive during the rescue, the team managed to subdue the reptile using ropes, mobile flashlights, and other makeshift tools. The group showed remarkable courage as they worked under limited resources to safely trap the crocodile in a tractor-trailer. The crocodile was later released into the Singorgarh reservoir at Rani Durgavati Tiger Reserve, bringing much-needed relief to the entire region.