Sri Vijaya Puram, June 18: Mr. N.K. Udhaya Kumar, State General Secretary (Organisation), Hindu Rashtra Shakti, has urged the Andaman & Nicobar Administration to provide immediate compensation and implement stronger safety measures following the tragic death of Late Deepak Kujur (25), a resident of Mile Tilak under Ferrargunj Tehsil, who lost his life in a crocodile attack on June 18, 2026.
In representations submitted to the Lieutenant Governor, Member of Parliament, Chief Secretary, Deputy Commissioner (South Andaman), and Assistant Secretary (AR Wing), Mr. Udhaya Kumar stated that the incident has caused immense grief to the bereaved family and generated concern among residents of Mile Tilak and surrounding areas.
According to the representation, Deepak Kujur was attacked by a crocodile while attempting to retrieve his dinghy from a creek. His body was recovered following an extensive search operation carried out by personnel of the Forest Department, Police Department and local residents.
Referring to previous crocodile attack cases in the Islands, Mr. Udhaya Kumar noted that ex-gratia compensation had been sanctioned to the families of victims under various relief schemes. He requested the Administration to ensure the immediate release of compensation to the family of the deceased and urged that the case be considered under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and other applicable compensation policies relating to human-wildlife conflict.
Considering the loss of a young life and the hardship faced by the family, he further appealed for the sanction of an enhanced ex-gratia relief of Rs.10 lakh as a special case.
The representation also highlighted the increasing threat posed by crocodile attacks in several parts of the Islands and called for comprehensive preventive measures. These include installation of warning signboards at vulnerable creeks, beaches, jetties and fishing locations, regular monitoring and patrolling by the Forest Department, identification and management of crocodiles involved in repeated attacks, and awareness programmes for fishermen, villagers and tourists regarding safety precautions in crocodile-prone areas.
Mr. Udhaya Kumar stated that while no amount of compensation can compensate for the loss of a human life, timely financial assistance and effective safety measures would provide relief to affected families and help prevent similar incidents in the future.
He appealed to the Administration for early and sympathetic consideration of the matter in the interest of public safety and welfare.
