A youth escaped a crocodile attack at Badatubira village under the Mahakalapada police station in the district on Wednesday due to the presence of two brave women.
Sources said Kina Mandal had gone to a nullah close to his village in the morning when the crocodile pounced on him and dragged him into the water body.
However, two women, who were nearby, started pelting stones at the crocodile, following which the reptile left the youth and swam away.
The injured youth was rescued and later rushed to the Ramnagar hospital for treatment.
Crocodiles frequent the water body since it is connected to Bhitarakanika, informed locals, adding that despite frequent crocodile attacks in the area, forest officials have not taken any steps to check the menace.
“Though the forest officials have earlier cautioned the villagers about possible crocodile attacks, they have not taken any steps to keep the reptiles away from the human habitations,” said a villager.