The body of an eight-year-old girl who was dragged into the historic Khan Jahan Ali Dighi by a crocodile has been recovered after an overnight search operation in Bagerhat.
The victim, Fatema Akter, was found floating in the southeastern part of the pond around 5:00 am Tuesday, nearly nine hours after the attack, police and fire service officials said.
According to locals, Fatema used to live in the shrine area with her mother, who is reportedly mentally challenged.
Bagerhat Superintendent of Police Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabdar said local residents searched the pond with several boats throughout the night after the child was dragged away by the crocodile.
“The body was recovered in a mutilated condition early Tuesday. Legal procedures are underway,” he said.
The police chief also said additional safety measures would be taken around the shrine area and authorities may consider restricting bathing in the pond. Visitors have been urged to remain cautious due to the presence of crocodiles.
Bagerhat Fire Service Inspector Md Belal Hossain said the body was handed over to police after recovery.
The incident occurred around 8:30 pm on Monday when Fatema entered the women’s bathing ghat of the pond. Witnesses said a crocodile grabbed her by the leg and dragged her into the water.
The attack drew hundreds of onlookers to the shrine area. Local MP Sheikh Monjurul Haque Rahad, Deputy Commissioner Golam Mohammad Baten and Superintendent of Police Hasan Mohammad Naser Rikabdar rushed to the scene after receiving the news.
Visitor Al-Amin Hossain said he and his friends were visiting the shrine when they heard the child screaming and rushed to the women’s ghat, but by then the crocodile had already pulled her into the pond.
MP Rahad said several incidents involving crocodiles had occurred at the shrine pond in the past and authorities were working to improve safety. Necessary measures would be taken to prevent crocodiles from approaching areas used by worshippers for ablution and by visitors for bathing, he added.
The nearly 600-year-old Khan Jahan Ali shrine is known for its historic pond and crocodiles. According to local accounts, the original descendants of the famed crocodiles known as Kalapahar and Dhalapahar are no longer alive, and the existing saltwater crocodile reportedly gifted from Madras, India, remains the pond’s sole crocodile attraction.