Kendrapara: A 10-year-old boy died as a crocodile dragged him into river in front of his mother at Nimpur village under Pattamundai police limits in Odisha's Kendrapara district, today.

According to reports, Ashutosh Acharya of the village and his mother had gone to Brahmani river to take bath, this morning.

While they were bathing in the water body, a crocodile dragged the boy into the river. As the woman screamed for help, locals gathered at the spot and initiated a rescue operation.

Unfortunately, his body was later found in the river. A pall of gloom descended on the village after the incident.

Tension ran high at the place as locals alleged that though they had informed the personnel of Forest and Fire Services departments, there was delay in their arrival.

The villagers staged a protest by placing the body on road. Officials of the local administration were trying to pacify them.