A 15-year-old girl died after drowning in the Parvati River in Rajasthan, India, following a crocodile attack on Monday, September 15, 2025. Shivani Kevat was collecting water at the riverbank in Mehatabpura village when the reptile lunged at her and dragged her into the water.
Kevat was filling pots with water on the banks of the Parvati River in Baran district when the crocodile emerged from the water and attacked her. The reptile caught hold of the teenager by her arms and pulled her into the river, according to Kishanganj police station officials.
Villagers working in nearby fields noticed the attack and immediately rushed to help. They chased the crocodile in boats and managed to force it to release the girl, but she disappeared in the deep waters. Some witnesses took boats into the river, attempting to scare the reptile away and rescue Kevat, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Police arrived at the scene and initiated a search and rescue operation with the State Disaster Response Force team. The operation continued for several hours throughout Monday evening before being called off late that night after no success in locating the missing teenager. Dozens of residents gathered on the riverbank during the search, hoping for her safe recovery.
Kevat’s body surfaced naturally on Tuesday morning, September 16. Bystanders spotted her remains floating in the river and immediately alerted authorities. A medical team was called to the scene, but the teenager was pronounced dead upon examination.
The autopsy revealed that Kevat died from drowning rather than injuries sustained during the crocodile attack. Kishanganj police station officer Ramesh Chand indicated that “the girl died due to drowning.” Police reported no injury marks beyond the deep wounds on her arms caused by the crocodile’s grip as it dragged her into the water.
Following the post-mortem examination, Kevat’s body was released to her grieving family members for final rites. The family resides in Mehatabpura village, which is located under the jurisdiction of Kishanganj police station in Baran district.
The attack occurred during what should have been a routine daily task for the teenager. Collecting water from rivers and other water sources is a common household chore in rural Indian villages. The Parvati River serves as a primary water source for residents in the surrounding communities.
According to reports, the crocodile involved in the attack was likely a mugger crocodile, also known as a marsh crocodile. These reptiles are considered the world’s third most dangerous crocodile species and are known for their aggressive behavior. Mugger crocodiles inhabit rivers, lakes, and reservoirs throughout the Indian subcontinent, which brings them into close contact with human populations.
The incident has raised concerns among local residents about the growing presence of crocodiles in rivers and ponds near their villages. Community members have expressed particular worry about safety during the monsoon season, when reptiles often stray closer to human settlements due to rising water levels and changing habitat conditions.
Local authorities have been dealing with increased human-wildlife conflicts as urban development encroaches on natural habitats. The proximity of villages to water bodies inhabited by crocodiles creates ongoing safety challenges for residents who depend on these water sources for daily needs.
This attack represents part of a broader pattern of crocodile-related incidents in India. Similar attacks have occurred in various states where human populations live near crocodile habitats. The encounters typically happen when people approach water bodies for bathing, collecting water, or other daily activities.
Village residents are now calling for better warning systems and protective barriers to safeguard community members, particularly children, from future crocodile attacks. The incident has highlighted the need for improved safety measures around water sources in rural areas where dangerous wildlife may be present.
The Parvati River area will likely see increased vigilance from both local authorities and residents following this fatal encounter. Community leaders are expected to discuss implementing additional safety protocols for water collection and other activities near the Parvati River to prevent similar incidents.
