Two crocodiles escaped from a transport lorry after the vehicle overturned in Nirmal, Telangana. Local authorities successfully apprehended the reptiles with assistance from the Forest department.
A lorry carrying eight crocodiles from Patna, Bihar to Bengaluru, Karnataka overturned after colliding with an electric transmission pole near the Mondigutta forest check-post in Telangana on Thursday, October 17, 2024. The Nirmal police have initiated legal proceedings against the driver and arranged an alternative vehicle for the safe transport of the reptiles.
The Superintendent of Police for Nirmal, Janaki Sharmila, reported that Abdul Mannan Mandal, 51, a West Bengal native, was behind the wheel when the accident occurred. “The crocodiles were being transferred from Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park in Patna to Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru with proper documentation. The driver’s reckless driving led to the collision on National Highway 44, causing the lorry to overturn,” stated the SP.
During the mishap, two crocodiles escaped from their transport container. Fortunately, the Nirmal police, in collaboration with the Forest department, located and secured them along with the remaining reptiles for their onward journey. “All reptiles reached their destination safely on October 17,” the SP confirmed.
District Forest Officer Nazim Banu provided additional details, noting that two lorries and one SUV, which included a veterinary doctor, were making the trip from Patna to Bengaluru. “The lorry that overturned was exclusively carrying the crocodiles, while the other vehicle transported two white tigers among other animals. The driver claimed he was feeling drowsy during the trip and did not have a co-driver,” said the officer.
Consequently, Abdul Mandal has been charged under Section 281 of the BNS Act by local police authorities.
Published – October 17, 2024 10:19 pm IST
