CHIDAMBARAM : A crocodile that entered Pillaimuthanchavadi village near here on Sunday was caught by villagers and handed over to forest department staff.
People spotted the crocodile in a canal and caught it. The villagers informed the forest staff, who arrived at the spot and took custody of the crocodile. The crocodile measured 6 feet in length and weighed 750 kg. It was later released in Vakkaramari reservoir near Chidambaram.
It is usual for Chidambaram and surrounding villages to face the threat of crocodiles entering villages during the rainy season. In the past 3 years, around 10 persons have been injured and three killed by crocodiles.
A forest official said, “These crocodiles are mostly seen in Old Kollidam River, as well as North and South Rajan canals near Chidambaram. They enter these rivers from Lower Anicut. During rain season, they move out along with flood water and roam in agricultural lands.”