Crocodile drags child into Khan Jahan Ali shrine pond in Bagerhat

A crocodile reportedly dragged away a seven-year-old girl while she was bathing in the pond at Khan Jahan Ali (R) Mazar in Bagerhat last night.

The incident took place at the Mohila Ghat of the pond around 8:30pm. Fire Service personnel and locals started a rescue operation soon after.

The victim, Fatema, and her mother lived at the shrine, said Fakir Tarikul Islam, chief khadem of the mazar.

Witnesses said the child went to bathe in the pond when the crocodile suddenly bit her leg and dragged her underwater within seconds.

Locals rushed to the spot after hearing the child’s screams. However, she could not be found as of 10:30pm, and rescue efforts were continuing, said Sheikh Mamunur Rashid, station officer of Bagerhat Fire Service.

This is not the first time a crocodile in the pond has caused alarm. In April, a video of the crocodile dragging a dog into the pond went viral on social media.