Woman fights off croc attack in Bhitarkanika

Kendrapada: A 54-year-old woman fought bravely when attacked by a saltwater crocodile in Ramachandi river within Bhitarkanika National Park and escaped on Wednesday. Chabi Bhukta of mangrove-covered remote Petachela village under Mahakalapada forest range fought bravely with the reptile.“When I entered the river, a crocodile caught hold of my hand and started dragging me into the water. I started shouting and also pricked the eyes of the reptile with a spoon. The crocodile loosened its grip , enabling me to escape,” said Chabi, while undergoing treatment in the Mahakalpada community health centre. She sustained injuries on her hands, legs and belly.The incident occurred two months after a 54 -year-old fisherman of Kansala village around Bhitarkanika National Park was killed by a salt water in the Gobari river on March 11.