Viral video of mugger crocodile roaming Chennai streets makes IAS officer reveal the what and why

Amid relentless retreating monsoon and Cyclone Michuang-induced downpour in Chennai, a mugger-crocodile was seen crossing a road, reported India Today.

The 12-second video was reportedly shot near Velammal School along the Perungalathur-Nedungunram road in the city's southern outskirts. Onlookers and netizens were amazed and scared by the unusual sight during the pouring rain.

Addressing the frightened concerns, Tamil Nadu Forest Additional Secretary, Supriya Sahu reassured the public emphasising the elusive nature of mugger crocodiles.

Watch the video here:

X Abuzz

• The incident quickly became the talk of the town, with numerous social media posts circulating the video of the crocodile crossing the road.
• Contrary to the common belief that crocodiles live in wild waters, some areas in Chennai host mugger crocodiles in their water bodies, said Sahu on X.

Mugger adds to Chennai's water woes

• Most of the Coromandel Coast along with parts of Chennai, are facing severe waterlogging as heavy rain battered the city overnight.
• The overflow of water bodies in Chennai, triggered by the impact of incoming Cyclone Michuang, led to the sighting of a mugger crocodile.
• Sahu instructed the people, stating, "No need to panic. Wildlife division has been alerted and they are on the job to avoid any untoward incident."
• "There is no possibility of harm to humans if these animals are left alone and unprovoked," Sahu added.