MARGAO: A pall of gloom descended on Cotta, Fatorpa on Thursday, as the body of 56-year-old Florina D’Souza, whose body was washed by the rains on Wednesday, was found on Thursday morning, with parts of her face and torso gnawed and eaten by what locals confirmed was a crocodile. Florina’s body had severe facial and leg injuries sustained in the crocodile attack.
Florina’s funeral was held in the evening as the Cuncolim Police handed over her body after the post-mortem examination at the South Goa District Hospital, Margao.
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Babani Dessai, a local youth said, “Crocodiles are moving in the same area and we have asked the Forest Department to take steps and relocate these reptiles elsewhere. It is risky to enter the water here and cross as the area is flooded. Some crocodiles are moving around and may attack us.”
He expressed concern over Florina’s death and informed that she had houses in Naqueri-Betul and Cotta-Fatorpa, but was residing at Naqueri.
Another youth Manoj Dessai urged the Forest Department to take steps to relocate the crocodiles moving freely. The locals visit the area for agriculture activities and there is every possibility that the crocodiles may attack them any moment.
He said that a group of youth spoke to the forest personnel at the site when the tragic incident took place.
He hoped that the department would take prompt action.
Florina’s nephew Rocky D’Souza said, “It is unfortunate that my aunt died under tragic circumstances. She used to reside at her Naqueri residence alone and was earning her daily bread by cultivating paddy, seasonal vegetables, fruits, etc in the fields by sea.”
He said, “My aunt was getting Rs 2,000 from the State government under a scheme. Following her husband’s death, she had no one to support but we took care of her needs.”
Florina’s sister-in-law Rosalina Simoes managed to save herself by holding onto a tree branch.
Cuncolim Police investigation revealed that Florina came from Cotta-Fatorpa to Naqueri after attending mass. She arrived with a bucket of seeds and soil and approached Rosalina. As they entered the fields, they encountered a massive water flow along their usual route.
Rosalina was holding a wooden danda while walking while Florina was holding the former’s hand from behind and in this manner they waded through the stream. However, both Florina and Rosalina slipped and fell into the water.
However, Rosalina saved herself by holding on to a tree branch and managed to climb on the big rock but Florina was carried away in the water.
Cuncolim Police later recorded her statement.
On Wednesday when Florina went missing, local youth Babani Dessai, Pravin Dessai and a local youth Rocky and some others cast nylon net in the stream water fearing that the crocodiles might kill her.
The locals and her relatives with the help of police and firefighters made efforts to search for her till late evening but in vain, said Rosario, a local youth.
As per police investigation, one John Simoes (51), a resident of Betul said that when he was at his fields he saw Rosalina in a fully wet condition crying for help. When questioned about what had happened, she narrated the incident.
Meanwhile, Cuncolim PI Tukaram Chavan and Investigating Officer Kavita Rawat visited the site and conducted the inquest panchanama in the presence of two panchas. Police have ruled out foul play. PSI Rawat has registered the case as unnatural death under 174 of Cr Pc.
