Crocodile Attack in Angul: Man Loses Arm Saving Goat, Villagers Demand Action
Jhampuli, Angul, October 23, 2025 — In a chilling wildlife encounter, 47-year-old Ranjit Pradhan lost his left arm while attempting to rescue a goat from a crocodile near Jhampuli village in Angul district.
The incident occurred early Thursday morning as Ranjit, a resident of Nuapada village who had settled in Jhampuli, was grazing his goats by a stream.
When one of the goats was suddenly seized by a crocodile, Ranjit jumped into the water to save it.
Though the goat managed to escape, the crocodile turned on Ranjit, severing his arm at the elbow.
Locals rushed him to Kishorenagar Community Health Centre (CHC), from where he was transferred to Angul District Headquarters Hospital and later referred to SCB Medical College in Cuttack for advanced treatment.
The attack has triggered widespread panic in the area. Villagers are demanding swift action from the Forest Department to capture the crocodile and prevent further incidents.
They are also urging authorities to provide financial assistance for Ranjit’s medical care and implement safety measures for residents living near water bodies.
This incident underscores the growing tension between human settlements and wildlife habitats in Odisha, raising urgent questions about conflict mitigation and community protection.
