Sundarbans, Sept 30 (V7N) – A fisherman has been dragged away by a crocodile in the Koromjal canal of the Sundarbans, prompting an immediate search operation by the Forest Department.
 
The victim, identified as Subrata Mondal, 32, of Purbo Dhangmari village in Khulna, went to the forest Tuesday morning to catch crabs with a valid permit from the Forest Department. According to witnesses, the attack occurred around 3:30 p.m. while he was swimming across the Koromjal canal with fellow fishermen Sohel Biswas, Jewel Sardar, Joy Sarkar, and Swapan Biswas. A crocodile suddenly attacked him, dragged him underwater, and disappeared into the canal. His companions tried desperately to pull him free but failed.
 
Locals and family members later joined Forest Department staff in searching for the missing fisherman. Israfil Boyati, a villager involved in the search, said, “Just before sunset we saw the crocodile surfacing with Subrata in its jaws. It did not eat him but was carrying the body around. The crocodile surfaced several times, and we are preparing lights to continue searching as the tide goes out.”
 
Forest officials confirmed that Subrata’s family may be eligible for government compensation, as he had entered the forest with proper authorization. “Families of fishermen who fall victim to tiger or crocodile attacks while holding a valid pass receive government compensation. Those without permits are not covered,” said Mohammad Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, Divisional Forest Officer of the Sundarbans East Division.
 
Local villagers urged the Forest Department to provide immediate assistance to Subrata’s bereaved family, who depended on his crab fishing for survival.
 
END/AHS/SMA/