Man Loses Hand in Crocodile Attack While Rescuing Goat in Angul

Angul: In a shocking incident, a 47-year-old man lost his hand after being attacked by a crocodile in a stream near Jhampuli village under Raniakata Panchayat of Kishorenagar block in Angul district on Thursday.

The victim has been identified as Ranjit Pradhan, who sustained grievous injuries while trying to save a goat from the crocodile’s jaws.

According to reports, Ranjit — originally from Nuapada village under Rairakhol police station in Sambalpur district — had settled in Jhampuli after marrying the daughter of Kulamani Sahu, a resident of the same village. On Thursday morning, while grazing his goats near a stream, one of the animals went into the water to drink and was suddenly caught by a crocodile.

In a desperate attempt to rescue the goat, Ranjit jumped into the water. The crocodile released the goat but turned on him, biting his left hand and dragging him underwater. After a fierce struggle, Ranjit managed to free himself, but not before the crocodile severed his hand from the elbow. Bleeding heavily, he somehow reached the riverbank, where locals rushed to his aid.

He was first taken to the Kishorenagar Community Health Centre and later shifted to the Angul District Headquarters Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, doctors referred him to the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced treatment.

The attack has triggered panic and fear in the area. Villagers have urged the Forest Department to capture the crocodile and provide financial assistance for Ranjit’s treatment. They have also appealed for preventive measures to ensure the safety of locals and livestock in the region.