Giant crocodile terrorising residents caught after seven months; relief for Kanyakumari natives

KANYAKUMARI: A giant crocodile terrorising residents in Kanyakumari for over seven months was captured on Monday, due to the valiant efforts of officials and residents. The crocodile, weighing approximately 300 kilograms, was caught from the Kodayar River near Thirparappu. The dangerous reptile was trapped in a net set up by a special team from the Forest Department. Locals first spotted the crocodile in the Kodayar River seven months ago, and footage of the reptile had also surfaced on social media.

The Forest Department were attempting various measures to capture the crocodile, including bringing in a special team from Chennai. Although traps with chicken and a goat were set, the crocodile evaded capture. Subsequently, the special team conducted further inspections of the area and installed nets along the reptile's movement paths.

By this morning, the crocodile was caught in a net placed near the riverbank. A large crowd gathered at the site upon hearing the news. Officials estimate the crocodile weighs around 300 kilograms. Forest Department personnel safely brought the animal ashore using additional nets.

Meanwhile, reports suggest that locals had previously lodged complaints—supported by video footage—reporting sightings of the crocodile in various locations as far back as six years ago, when it was a hatchling. However, the Forest Department purportedly dismissed these reports as false. A decision regarding where to relocate the captured crocodile will be made only after a meeting of senior Forest Department officials.