An adult crocodile pounced on Chayamani Bag, a native of Petshala river-side Balrampur village, yesterday, he said.
Forest officials have rushed to the village as people there were agitated over frequent crocodile attacks on humans. The severed left arm of the victim was retrieved from the site, the official said.
Bharati Mandal (45), a villager who was near the river and was witness to the fatal attack, informed the villagers, who in turn alerted the forest officials. A team of forest officers and villagers rushed to the spot and found only an amputated arm and a portion of the woman's sari.
The incident occurred outside the national park limits. The deceased's family would be covered under ex-gratia compensation payment scheme after recovery of the body, said Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (Wildlife) Forest Division, Bimal Prasanna Acharya.
There are official reports of saltwater crocodiles from Bhitarkanika wildlife sanctuary straying into Brahmani, Baitarani, Petashala and Kharasrota rivers. Lethal assault by the reptiles and consequent retaliatory attack by men, have become a regular feature in this part of the state.
Most often, the mishaps occur when the victims intrude into the animal's habitat for illegal fishing, poaching, fuel wood and honey collection.
You’ve hit your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories Online
Over 30 behind the paywall stories daily, handpicked by our editors for subscribers


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app