Mongla, Oct 19 (V7N) – A dead crocodile was recovered from the Narikeltola Canal in Mongla by the Forest Department on Sunday morning after local residents spotted it floating in the water. The crocodile was later buried in the Koromjol area of the Sundarbans. Authorities are investigating who killed the animal and disposed of it in the river.

Md. Azad Kabir, acting officer at the Wildlife Breeding and Tourism Center of Chandpai Range under the Sundarbans East Forest Division, said the crocodile was found near the Mongla-Ghashiyakhali international navigation canal. Upon receiving reports from locals, forest department personnel recovered the crocodile around 3:30 p.m. and buried it in Sundarbans Koromjol in the evening.

Officials noted that the crocodile had a rope tied around its neck and its front right leg was missing. It is estimated that the crocodile, a male, was around 15–16 years old and approximately nine feet long. Its body bore multiple signs of injury. Due to decomposition, no body parts could be preserved.

Azad Kabir confirmed that an investigation is underway to identify those responsible, and legal action will be taken against the perpetrators. Killing protected wildlife is a criminal offense under Bangladeshi law, and authorities are actively pursuing leads.

Local residents reported that for nearly a month, a large crocodile had been spotted near ponds and shrimp enclosures in the Burirdanga area of Mongla. Despite repeated notifications to the Forest Department, the animal had not been safely captured. Residents, including Abdus Razzak and Samrat Mondal, suggested that fearing harm to human life and property, locals may have killed the crocodile and disposed of it in the canal. They also criticized the forest authorities for failing to take timely action, which could have prevented the death of this near-threatened saltwater crocodile species.

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