People from a village in the Indian state of Odisha have allegedly killed a crocodile by hanging it from a tree, later feasting on its meat. The culprits filmed a video reportedly depicting the act that later went viral on social media.
According to local media reports, the villagers suspected the crocodile was the reason for the mysterious death of various animals, including cattle in the town. They captured the reptile from the nearby Saveri River and dragged it to the village of Kaladapalli.
Three teams to investigate the #crocodile killing issue. Earlier today a crocodile has allegedly been killed and eaten by some people near Kalemela of #Malkangiri district #Odisha pic.twitter.com/aegKYCtn3p
— Parthasarathi Rout (@OriRout) July 2, 2020
A five-foot-long crocodile has been allegedly killed and eaten by villagers in Kaladapalli under Podia block of #Malkangiri district, photos went viral on the social media.#Odisha pic.twitter.com/xYKdMGXnSe
— SitamMoharana_ANI (@SitamMoharana) July 2, 2020
The group of men then affixed the crocodile to the tree with a rope and killed it by slicing its throat after a while. Some people reportedly ate the meat of the reptile and distributed the remainder among locals.
A three-member investigation team has been formed by the Forest Department and police to nab the culprits. Video footage is being examined for the probe. So far, no arrests have been made in the case.
The meat of crocodiles and other reptiles is enjoyed as a delicacy in several countries.