Rajkanika: An elderly man went missing after a crocodile allegedly dragged him into the Kharasrota River while he was attempting to board a boat in Kendrapada district.
The incident occurred near Gangadhar Prasad Diah village under Rajkanika block Tuesday morning.
The victim was identified by locals as Pareswar Behera, popularly known as Hadabhai.
According to eyewitnesses, Behera had gone to the river to cross over to Ayatan market. He entered the shallow water near the village school to board a boat when a crocodile suddenly lunged at him and dragged him into the river. He has not been traced despite an ongoing search operation.
Local residents and a rescue team from the Rajkanika fire service searched the river following the incident. Kanika tehsildar Bhanumati Majhi was present at the spot and was overseeing the rescue operation.
Residents said crocodile sightings in the area have become a persistent concern. The boat is the only means of crossing the river for villagers travelling to schools, markets and healthcare facilities. They said they have been demanding a bridge over the Kharasrota for nearly 40 years.
Residents said Behera was unmarried and had no immediate family members. The search for Behera was continuing when the report was filed.