Two Men Arrested for Brutal Killing of Crocodile in Gujarat Village
The Vadodara Forest Department has taken swift action against wildlife crime by arresting two individuals for the brutal killing of a five-foot-long crocodile in Gujarat. The incident, which occurred in Chorbhuj village of Karjan taluka, came to light after disturbing videos of the attack went viral on social media platforms.
Details of the Gruesome Incident
According to officials from the Karjan Forest Range, the two accused have been identified as Vitthal Nayak and Bipin Nayak. The arrest was made based on video evidence that clearly showed the men beating the crocodile to death with sticks while other individuals assisted by flashing torchlights on the helpless animal. After the killing, the perpetrators reportedly threw the carcass into a local pond.
Karjan Range Forest Officer Jayesh Rathod confirmed that the incident took place on January 17, 2026, though authorities only became aware of it on January 21. The forest department acted promptly upon receiving information about the viral videos and apprehended the two main suspects.
Legal Action Under Wildlife Protection Act
The accused have been charged under multiple provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, including sections related to prohibition of hunting and failure to declare possession of Schedule I animals. The crocodile, estimated to be about five years old, falls under Schedule I of the Act, which provides the highest level of protection to endangered species.
"We have lodged a First Offence Report under sections that provide for imprisonment between three and seven years," stated RFO Jayesh Rathod. The two men were produced in court and sent to judicial custody at Karjan sub-jail after admitting to their crime, eliminating the need for police remand.
Ongoing Investigation and Previous Incidents
The Vadodara Forest Department is continuing its investigation to determine if additional individuals were involved in this horrific act of animal cruelty. Authorities are examining the viral footage and conducting inquiries in Chorbhuj village to identify any other participants or witnesses to the crime.
This incident marks the second time recently that a crocodile has strayed into the village. Rathod revealed that just days before this killing, forest officials had successfully rescued another crocodile from the same area. "There are about three crocodiles in the pond in the village... several such crocodiles live in ponds in Karjan," he explained, highlighting the ongoing human-wildlife conflict in the region.
The forest department has recovered the crocodile's carcass from the pond for further examination and documentation. This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in protecting wildlife in areas where human settlements intersect with natural habitats, and the importance of strict enforcement of wildlife protection laws.
