Seven-Feet Crocodile Rescued From Banana Grove Near Tiruchi

Residents of Sirukadu Thoppu in Pettavaithalai, near Tiruchi, were taken aback on Wednesday after spotting a seven-feet-long crocodile wandering through a banana grove along the Poiyamani River.
According to locals, the reptile is believed to have entered the grove through the Uyyakondan Canal, which connects nearby water channels.
Alarmed by the sight, villagers immediately informed the Tiruchi Forest Department, whose personnel rushed to the spot and successfully captured the crocodile after a brief operation.
Forest officials later released the animal safely into the Kollidam River at Mukkombu (Upper Anaicut) near Melanai Vatthalai.
The unexpected incident has caused concern among residents and fishermen who frequent the Kollidam River for bathing and fishing. Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid entering riverbanks during early mornings and late evenings.
Forest officials said the crocodile likely strayed from its natural habitat due to fluctuations in the river’s water flow and assured that regular patrols and monitoring will be carried out to prevent similar occurrences.