Archive · 16 Sep 2026
Crocodile Attack Kills Fisherwoman in Odisha’s Kendrapara
A crocodile attacked a 57-year-old woman named Hemalata Das in Odisha.
She had gone into a creek with other women to catch prawns.
People nearby used a fishing net to make the crocodile let go.
Das was taken to a hospital, but she later died from her injuries.
The attack happened near Bhitarkanika National Park.
Officials said her family will receive Rs 10 lakh after an investigation.
Forest officials said eight people have died in crocodile attacks in the area during the past 18 months.
They are putting up barriers and warning people not to enter unsafe waters.
Hemalata Das, 57, died after a crocodile attacked her in Galia creek near Kharinashi village.
The attack occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday in the Mahakalapada forest range of Bhitarkanika National Park.
Villagers reportedly used a fishing net to force the crocodile to release Das from its grip.
Das was taken to Kendrapara district headquarters hospital, where she died later that evening.
Officials said her family would receive Rs 10 lakh compensation after an inquiry; eight people have died in such attacks around Bhitarkanika in 18 months.
- Who
- Hemalata Das, a 57-year-old fisherwoman, was killed; villagers, forest officials and hospital staff were also involved after the attack.
- What
- A crocodile attacked Das, who later died from her injuries.
- When
- The attack occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, and Das died later that evening.
- Where
- Galia creek near Kharinashi village, in the Mahakalapada forest range of Odisha’s Bhitarkanika National Park.
- Why
- Das and other women had entered the creek to catch prawns; the reason for the crocodile’s attack was not stated.
Community Access and Livelihoods
Wildlife Safety Measures
Entering creek waters
Community Access and Livelihoods
Das and other women entered the creek to catch prawns, reflecting the reported use of the waters for fishing-related activity.
Wildlife Safety Measures
The Forest Department is urging people to avoid entering unprotected waters because of crocodile risks.
Response to repeated attacks
Community Access and Livelihoods
Villagers intervened during the attack by throwing a fishing net over the crocodile, helping it release Das.
Wildlife Safety Measures
Forest officials have erected barricades at several river ghats and intensified awareness campaigns to reduce danger.
Support for the victim’s family
Community Access and Livelihoods
The victim’s family is set to receive government compensation after the inquiry is completed.
Wildlife Safety Measures
The compensation amount and payment are subject to the government’s inquiry process.
- Victim
- Hemalata Das, 57
- Incident
- Fatal saltwater crocodile attack
- Location
- Galia creek near Kharinashi village, Kendrapara district, Odisha
- Time
- Around 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday
- Compensation
- Rs 10 lakh, subject to completion of an inquiry
- Recent fatalities
- Eight crocodile-attack deaths in and around Bhitarkanika during the past 18 months
- Crocodile population
- Around 1,858 saltwater crocodiles, according to this year’s census
- Safety response
- The Forest Department has erected barricades at several river ghats and intensified awareness campaigns