In a harrowing encounter near Jhampuli village in Angul district, 47-year-old Ranjit Pradhan lost his left arm while attempting to rescue a goat from a crocodile.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning as Ranjit, a resident of Nuapada village who had settled in Jhampuli, was grazing his goats near a stream.
When one goat was seized by a crocodile, Ranjit leapt into the water to save it. Though the goat escaped, the crocodile turned on Ranjit, severing his arm at the elbow.
Locals rushed him to Kishorenagar CHC, from where he was transferred to Angul District HQ Hospital and later referred to SCB Medical College in Cuttack for advanced care.
The attack has sparked panic in the area, with villagers urging the Forest Department to capture the crocodile and provide financial support for Ranjit’s treatment. They are also demanding preventive measures to avoid future incidents.