Bhubaneswar, Feb. 2 -- A massive crocodile that had appeared along the Astaranga coast in Puri district was successfully rescued by the Forest Department, bringing relief to local residents and visitors. The sighting of the huge reptile along the coastline had created an atmosphere of fear among people living in the nearby coastal villages as well as tourists visiting the area.

Following the incident, officials of the Astaranga Forest Range immediately issued warnings to tourists and intensified patrolling along the coast to prevent any untoward incident. In view of public safety, a special rescue operation was launched to track and capture the crocodile.

For two consecutive days, a joint team of the Rajnagar Rapid Response Team and off...