NHRC seeks ATR from PCCF, district collectors on crocodile attack deaths in Bhitarkanika

KENDRAPARA: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recently sought for an action taken report (ATR) from the PCCF, Odisha and district collectors of Kendrapara and Bhadrak on the rising number of deaths and injuries due to crocodile attack in and around Bhitarkanika National Park.

Taking cognisance of the petition filed by lawyer and environmental activist Radhakant Tripathy on November 17 last year, the apex commission for human rights on January 22 sought for the ATR within six weeks.

The petition had stated that nine deaths occurred due to crocodile attack in a year and on September 16, 2024, one Ajambar Nayak, a cattle grazer from Ichapur village in Aul block of the district was attempting to cross a creek along with his buffaloes when he was attacked and killed by a saltwater crocodile. His remains were later found near Kharasrota riverbank.