Jambusar: A day after a crocodile dragged a young man into the Dhadhar river in Bojadra village of Jambusar taluka, his mutilated body was recovered on Saturday, intensifying grief and fear across the region.

The deceased has been identified as Kishan Gopal Rathod, a resident of Jafarpura village. He had come to Bojadra, where his in-laws reside, and was attempting to help his family cross the river when the incident occurred.

According to officials, Rathod had gone towards the opposite bank to arrange a raft (boat), while his wife and children were waiting on the riverbank. During this time, a crocodile suddenly attacked him and dragged him into the water before anyone could react.

Search operations were launched immediately after the incident, and the body was recovered the following day. Authorities said the victim had sustained severe injuries in the attack, with parts of his body reportedly mutilated.

The tragic death has left his family devastated. Rathod is survived by three children, who have lost their father at a young age.

Senior local leaders, including former Jambusar Taluka Panchayat president Nitinbhai Patel, along with villagers and officials from the Forest Department, reached the spot after the body was recovered. Police have taken custody of the body and initiated legal procedures.

Residents said concerns over the increasing presence of crocodiles in the Dhadhar river had been raised earlier as well. Following the incident, locals have renewed demands for stronger safety measures and proper crocodile management. The victim’s family and villagers have also sought adequate compensation and support from the government. DeshGujarat