Locals captured a Crocodile in Manikganj

A group of locals captured a crocodile from a branch river of the Padma in the Choukighata area of Hatipara Union under Manikganj Sadar upazila in the district on Friday night.

The locals said a medium-sized crocodile was seen in some areas of Boali, Ailkundi, and Khamarhati, floating in the branch river of the Padma, which caused panic among the people.

Abdur Rafiq of Charbangkhuri village said people of the area were afraid of the crocodile and did not go to the river to catch fish at night. Even those who went to the river for bathing did so in groups, fearing the crocodile.

Rahat, Antor, Rakib, Al Amin, Suruj and Shahin — who took an active part in catching the crocodile — said they had been watching its movement for a long time. When they confirmed its location, they set a rope-made net in the river and finally the crocodile was caught in the net at about 8:30pm on Friday.

Upazila Forest Officer Shariful Islam said the crocodile had probably entered the branch river of the Padma in search of food. He said, “We will try to release the crocodile in a safe zone of the Sundarbans after a health check, if possible.”