Elusive crocodile caught from Khadakwasla Dam

PUNE: Scaring the locals with its frequent appearance, a 150 kg crocodile was finally netted from the Khadakwasla Dam after a year-long search.

The reptile was captured last night after a 10-hour long operation undertaken by forest and zoo officials, who were joined by cadets of the National Defence Academy (NDA).

A forest department spokesman said the four-foot long crocodile, which had remained elusive for about a year after being spotted on and off in the dam, was netted after the irrigation officials reduced the water flow in the dam to make the animal visible.

A squad of animal keepers of the Katraj Snake Park, fire brigade personnel and police, too, were kept in readiness while the 'operation crocodile' was underway.

The crocodile, currently kept at the Snake Park would be sent to a wild life sanctuary in Sangli district.

The presence of the crocodile had affected the boating and exercises of the NDA cadets.