Crocodile Captured from Quarry After Year-Long Local Alerts Ignored

Baranga,  November 9, 2025: After nearly a year of ignored warnings, forest officials finally captured a 5.5-foot-long crocodile from a stone quarry near Daruthenga Yujhagada.

Locals had repeatedly reported sightings and submitted photographic evidence, but the Forest Department dismissed the claims as rumours.

The crocodile, identified as a “Magar” species, had grown significantly and begun preying on domestic animals, including calves, ducks, geese, and dogs—sparking fear and frustration in the community.

Mounting pressure led Chandaka range officials to deploy a large net, successfully trapping the reptile.

It was later released into the Deras reservoir, bringing relief to residents. This marks another instance in a series of crocodile rescues from the Mendhasal region, including Kalajhar pond and Guptapada, where similar incidents have occurred in recent years.