Kendrapada: A 46-year-old woman is feared dead after being dragged away by a crocodile while bathing in a river in flood-affected Kendrapada district on Monday.

The incident took place at Damdarpatana village under Alapua panchayat, which has remained inundated by floodwaters for the past week. The woman has been identified as Suchitra Das.

According to reports, Das had gone to the nearby river for a bath at dawn when the crocodile allegedly attacked and dragged her into the water. Her slippers, torch, mobile phone and soap were later found lying on the riverbank.

On receiving information, Fire Services personnel from Pattamundai launched a search operation in the river. However, no trace of the woman had been found at the time of filing this report.

Locals claimed that repeated encounters with wild animals in the area have put their lives at risk. They alleged that despite multiple complaints, the Forest Department has failed to conduct awareness campaigns or take adequate preventive measures in vulnerable villages.

They said the issue had earlier been brought to the notice of Kendrapada Collector during his visit to the flood-affected areas. The Collector had reportedly assured that the Forest Department would undertake awareness programmes to alert residents about the dangers posed by crocodiles and wild boars.

Residents, however, alleged that no awareness drive has been carried out so far.