Tragedy in Uttar Pradesh: Crocodile Drags 13-Year-Old Boy Into River, Shocking Video Surfaces

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Gonda, Uttar Pradesh — In a deeply disturbing incident that has shocked the nation, a 13-year-old boy was dragged into the river by a crocodile while bathing a buffalo along the Ghaghra (Saryu) River in Gonda district. The harrowing moment was caught on camera and has since gone viral across social media platforms, drawing attention to the dangers lurking in riverine areas.

The incident occurred on Sunday, June 23, in Bhikhari Pur Sakarour village of Colonelganj tehsil. The boy, identified as Rajababu Yadav (also referred to as Raja Babu or Nan Yadav), had gone to the river around 10:00 a.m. with two friends, Praveen and Pawan. While he was near the water’s edge with his buffalo, a crocodile suddenly emerged from the river and pulled him underwater in a matter of seconds.

Eyewitnesses, including his two friends and several villagers nearby, were horrified but helpless. In the viral video, Rajababu is seen struggling as the reptile seizes him, briefly resurfacing before disappearing into the murky waters. The entire village was left stunned, unable to react in time to save the boy.

Soon after, local authorities, including the police, forest department, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), launched an intensive rescue operation. Divers combed the river while officials patrolled the embankment, but as of late Monday evening, the boy’s body had not been recovered.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Arun Kumar Gupta visited the site and assured the family of all possible help. “Rescue teams are working round the clock. The safety of our citizens is a priority, and we are taking all necessary steps,” he said.

The video’s circulation online has triggered a wave of emotions — ranging from sympathy for the family to concern over safety measures in wildlife-prone areas. Wildlife experts have pointed out that the Ghaghra River is a known crocodile habitat, and warnings should be posted to prevent similar tragedies.

This incident serves as a tragic reminder of the coexistence between humans and wildlife in rural India and the urgent need for awareness and preventive safety measures in such regions.

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