Probe committee formed in crocodile incident, sample collected from dog's body

The district administration in Bagerhat has formed an investigation committee following the incident of a crocodile dragging a dog into a pond at the shrine of Hazrat Khanjahan (RA). The body of the buried dog has also been exhumed, and samples have been collected.

The incident occurred on April 8. A video of the incident later spread on social media, sparking widespread discussion and criticism.

The district administration said a three-member investigation committee was formed on Saturday morning. The committee is led by Bagerhat Sadar Upazila Executive Officer (UNO) Mosammat Atia Khatun. The other members are the upazila livestock officer and the Officer-in-Charge of Sadar Model Police Station. The committee has already begun its work.

According to the account given by those associated with the shrine, on that day, a sick dog bit several people, prompting locals to throw sticks to chase it away. The dog then ran towards the ghat area and fell into the water. A crocodile then grabbed it and took it underwater. After some time, the dog's body floated to the surface. It was later recovered and buried.

On Saturday afternoon, the dead dog's body was exhumed, and samples were collected. The operation was conducted under the supervision of the district livestock department.

District Livestock Officer Mohammad Saheb Ali said samples from the dog's head are being sent to the Central Disease Investigation Laboratory in Dhaka for testing. Once the report is received, it will be confirmed whether the dog was sick or infected with rabies.

Bagerhat Deputy Commissioner Golam Mohammad Baten said the investigation is also looking into whether there were any other marks on the dog's body besides the crocodile's injuries. He said the investigation committee will submit its report soon.

He further stated that crocodiles at the shrine pond are never allowed to eat dogs. However, devotees sometimes throw chickens to feed the crocodiles, and instructions have been given to stop such activities.

Regarding the matter, the shrine's chief khadem, Fakir Tariqul Islam, said the incident was unfortunate and that false interpretations have been spread on social media. No one tied up or pushed the dog into the water; it fell into the water on its own after going to the pond's ghat.