After catching the predator, they decided to ask 50,000 rupees, almost 700 euros, for the crocodile to be returned to the wildlife sanctuary where the beast belongs.
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It turned out to be difficult to talk to the residents. “It took us hours with the help of the local police and authorities to convince them to release the crocodile,” said a Dudhwa Tiger Reserve official.
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After threats of a lawsuit with possible prison sentences of up to seven years, they eventually let the animal go. “We released it the same day in the Ghagra River,” said the employee. The residents had no idea that the crocodile is a protected species, he added.
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The crocodile had ended up in the village in the poor northern state of Uttar Pradesh due to flooding after a monsoon.
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