Bagerhat Authorities Order Removal of Last Crocodile From Historic Shrine Pond Following Safety Concerns
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The Bagerhat district administration has announced the removal of the lone crocodile remaining in the historic pond of Khan Jahan Ali (RA) shrine, a move prompted by growing concerns over public safety and the welfare of the animal. This decision marks a turning point for a site that has maintained a legendary connection to the reptiles for over six centuries.
Historical accounts, including the 1914 writings of Satish Chandra Mitra, suggest that the Sufi saint Khan Jahan Ali introduced a pair of crocodiles, famously known as “Kala Pahar” and “Dhala Pahar,” into the pond during the 15th century. For generations, these animals were cared for by the shrine’s attendants, becoming a central feature of local folklore. However, records from the Department of Archaeology indicate that the original lineage died out by February 2015, when the last descendant of the saint’s era perished.
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To maintain the shrine’s tradition, six freshwater crocodiles were imported from the Madras Crocodile Bank in India in 2004. Over the following years, the population fluctuated due to territorial conflicts, illness, and mortality. By October 2023, following the death of a male crocodile, only one individual remains in the pond today.
The presence of the predator has sparked intense public debate, particularly following a series of aggressive incidents, including an attack on a dog that gained significant traction on social media shortly before a child’s fatal encounter with the reptile. Wildlife experts argue that while crocodiles are naturally predatory, environmental stressors and human interference have exacerbated their behavior.
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Howladar Azad Kabir, a forest official overseeing the crocodile breeding center in the Sundarbans, suggests that the environment at the shrine is far from ideal. He noted that the crocodile is often subjected to disruptive practices, such as being fed sedative-laced food to make it docile for tourists or being provoked with live prey during exhibitions. Furthermore, human activities, including fishing and the constant presence of crowds, have left the animal in a state of isolation and stress.
Beyond the ecological concerns, the site faces allegations of mismanagement. Local critics claim that the shrine is controlled by influential figures who exploit the presence of the crocodile and religious traditions for financial gain, including the sale of amulets and fraudulent offerings. Allegations have also surfaced regarding the online marketing of crocodile parts, further fueling the push to relocate the animal.
As the district administration prepares to remove the final crocodile, the decision draws a line under a tradition that has persisted for over 600 years. For wildlife officials, the move is a necessary step to protect both the public and the animal from a environment that has become increasingly unsustainable.
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