A 15-year-old girl died after drowning when a crocodile dragged her into the Parvati River in Rajasthan’s Baran district on Monday, September 15, 2025, while she was collecting water for her household.
Shivani Kevat, a resident of Mehatabpura village, was filling pots with water on the riverbank when the reptile suddenly lunged at her from the water. The crocodile caught hold of Kevat by her arms and pulled her into the river, according to Kishanganj police station officials.
Villagers working in nearby fields witnessed the attack and immediately rushed to help the teenager. They pursued the crocodile into the water using boats, attempting to frighten the reptile and rescue Kevat. The villagers managed to force the crocodile to release its grip on the girl, but she disappeared beneath the surface in the deep waters.
Local authorities were quickly notified of the incident. Police arrived at the scene and launched a comprehensive search and rescue operation in collaboration with the State Disaster Response Force team. The search continued for several hours into the evening, with dozens of residents gathering on the riverbank hoping for positive news.
After hours of unsuccessful searching, the operation was suspended late Monday night. The community remained on edge throughout the night as search efforts proved fruitless.
On Tuesday morning, September 16, Kevat’s body naturally surfaced near the riverbank. Villagers spotted her remains floating in the water and immediately alerted police authorities. A medical team was summoned to the location, but the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
The subsequent autopsy revealed that Kevat did not die from injuries sustained during the crocodile attack itself. Instead, her cause of death was determined to be drowning. Kishanganj police station officials reported that examination of the body showed no injury marks beyond deep wounds on her arms caused by the crocodile’s grip as it dragged her into the water.
Station House Officer Ramesh Chand indicated that “her body bore no critical injuries apart from deep wounds on her arms.” The wounds were consistent with the crocodile’s initial attack when it seized her before pulling her into the river.
Following completion of the post-mortem examination, Kevat’s body was released to her family members for final rites and burial arrangements.
According to wildlife experts cited in reports, the crocodile involved in the attack was likely a mugger crocodile, also known as a marsh crocodile. This species represents the world’s third most dangerous crocodile variety and is known for aggressive behavior. Mugger crocodiles commonly inhabit rivers, lakes, and reservoirs throughout the region, bringing them into frequent contact with human populations.
The incident has heightened concerns among local residents about the growing presence of crocodiles in waterways near their villages, particularly during monsoon season when the reptiles often venture closer to human settlements. Community members are calling for improved warning systems and protective barriers to safeguard residents, especially children, from similar attacks in the future.
This fatal attack represents part of a broader pattern of crocodile encounters in the region. Similar incidents have occurred in recent years, with crocodiles attacking individuals who approach water sources for daily activities such as collecting water, bathing, or washing clothes.
The Parvati River serves as a crucial water source for multiple villages in the area, making it essential for residents to access the waterway for household needs despite the risks posed by resident crocodile populations.
Local authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the attack while community leaders discuss potential safety measures to prevent future incidents. The tragedy has prompted discussions about balancing community water needs with wildlife safety protocols in areas where human settlements border crocodile habitats.
