Huge Crocodile Drags 18-Year-Old Boy Into River, Teenager's Mutilated Body Found

A huge crocodile reportedly attacked and killed an 18-year-old boy, while he was bathing in a river in India.

The incident took place Saturday in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, and the victim was identified as P. Thirumalai. According to local media, the crocodile dragged the boy into the Kollidam River in a village called Vadakku Velakudi.

Authorities said the boy had gone to the river to bathe. While he was on the banks of the river, the crocodile emerged out of the water and grabbed his arm. The reptile then pulled him into the river, the Hindu reported.

Forest department officials were alerted about the incident. However, it remains unclear who gave them the information about the incident.

Officials launched a search for the teenager, and more than two hours later they found his remains.

The victim's mutilated body was sent for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death, India TV reported [Google Translate showed].

An official from the forest department said some locals had sighted a crocodile in the area two days before the incident. A warning board was also put in place to keep people away from the area. However, people reportedly kept ignoring the sign and entering the river for washing clothes or to bathe.

Authorities have given financial compensation to the victim's family following the incident. The amount was not revealed by the officials.

The forest department also said they would conduct awareness programmes among the locals and erect adequate warning signs in the area.

Last month, a man swimming in a river in neighboring state of Karnataka was attacked and dragged deep into the water by a huge crocodile. According to local media reports, the man was swimming in the Kali river when the crocodile emerged out of the water and attacked him. Locals saw the man being attacked and immediately informed the police. Authorities launched a search operation for the unidentified man. It remains unknown if the body of the man was found. "We live in constant fear. The safety of children is also endangered," locals told the media at the time while adding, as of October, two people lost their lives in crocodile attacks. Several other people had also been injured in crocodile attacks in the area.