A 50-year-old fisherman suffered injuries after being bitten by a crocodile while fishing in Powai Lake. Police said the crocodile attacked Babu Bhure and bit him on his left leg around 7.30 am on March 28 when he was fishing in the lake. His screams attracted the attention of fellow fishermen, who rushed to help.
Mr Bhure, who lives with his family in Tirandaz village in Powai, was rushed to Rajawadi Hospital nearby where he is recuperating. Officials said that his injuries were non-fatal and the toxic tissue generated by the crocodile bite has been removed by the doctors.
His nephew Raju Bhure said, “He is the second family member to be attacked by a crocodile. My cousin Vijay Bhure was killed by a a crocodile in 2010. An emergency surgery had to be carried out on my uncle as the crocodile nearly bit off a portion of his leg. Doctors said he is out of danger.”
Mr Bhure said crocodiles are an occupational hazard for the fishing community around Powai lake. “There are lots of crocodiles in the lake, but attacks on human beings were rare till 15 years ago. Now, crocodiles hibernate close to the shore and such attacks have increased,” he added.