Baby crocodile found in Tamil actor’s grandson’s house, rescued

Balaji Thangavel, the resident, a BJP functionary and grandson of veteran of Tamil actor TS Balaiah said the baby crocodile was found by workers while they cleaned the pool.

A 1.5-foot long crocodile was found in the swimming pool of a house near Nedungundram, Tambaram in Tamil Nadu’s Chengalpattu district on Tuesday morning. The crocodile was rescued and handed over to Arignar Anna Zoological Park officials.

Balaji Thangavel, the resident, a BJP functionary and grandson of veteran of Tamil actor TS Balaiah said the baby crocodile was found by workers while they cleaned the pool. Along with workers, Thangavel completely removed the water from the pool and transferred the reptile into a bucket. Later, the reptile was handed over to the officials of Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur.

Speaking to indianexpress.com, Thangavel said, “Around our house, there is an eight-foot long compound wall. We suspect that crows and hawks might have been dropping these baby crocodiles. There is a big lake near the Nedungundram area. There are so many big crocodiles around that lake. People in the lake premises go there to wash clothes and for other purposes. The area is close to the Vandalur zoo as well. Even though the authorities have been taking measures, they could further provide more attention and catch in case any of them are spotted in the lake to ensure that people are not living in fear,” Thangavel told Indianexpress.com.

He also raised suspicion over the crocodile entering through a pipe near the lake. He said they have a long pipe, to leave out stagnant rain water and the opening of the pipe is near the lake. Speaking to Indianexpress.com, Manikanda Prabhu, the assistant director of Vandalur Zoo, noted that the issue has come to his notice and they will take requisite measures.