Daijiworld Media Network - Yadagiri (SP)

Yadagiri, Mar 29: A shepherd who ventured into River Krishna to drink water on the afternoon of Tuesday March 28 was snatched away by a crocodile, which resisted attempts by a friend of the shepherd to save him by raining blows on it. The incident happened in Tumakuru village of Shahapur taluk in this district.

Mareppa Idlur (42) from Tumakuru village became the unfortunate victim of the crocodile which dragged him to the depths of the river after lapping him up from near the river bank. Mareppa was grazing his sheep on the banks of River Krishna along with friend, Honappa. As he felt thirsty, Mareppa went near the river when the crocodile suddenly lunged forward and caught hold of the shepherd. Mareppa shouted for help at which Honnappa ran there.

Honnappa tried to save Mareppa from the clutches of the crocodile and fought hard with the animal. After Honnappa was exhausted, the crocodile  dragged Mareppa into the river. Honnappa then ran to the village and told the villagers what had happened. The family members wailed for the deceased, while expert divers and fishermen went into the river in search of Mareppa.

As their efforts to locate the shepherd failed, fire brigade and forest department staff got into the act. Search for Mareppa is on. A case about the incident was registered in Vadagera police station.