In a remarkable incident in Honnihal village, Bagalkot district, an ox has emerged as a hero after saving its owner, farmer Dhariyappa Meti, from a crocodile attack. On October 7, while washing his oxen in the backwaters of the Almatti reservoir, Meti was bitten by a crocodile, resulting in the loss of his right hand.
According to local authorities, Meti had taken two oxen and a bull to the River Krishna. While washing one ox, a crocodile attacked him, biting off his right hand. In his attempt to escape, Meti’s left index finger was also bitten. In a courageous act, the second ox stepped on the crocodile and managed to pull Meti back to the riverbank, ultimately saving his life.
Meti’s brother-in-law, Sangappa Yalaguri, expressed gratitude for the ox’s intervention, stating, “Had the ox not dared to pick him from the water, we could have lost Meti. It was like a rebirth for him, all thanks to the ox.”
Meti’s wife, Gouravva Yalaguri, reported that Bilagi MLA JT Patil visited her husband and that forest officials are currently gathering details for potential compensation to help with medical expenses. Doctors have advised that Meti may require a steel rod to treat his injuries and assured the family of an artificial hand after healing.
Local village member Manjunath Parande noted that this was the first recorded crocodile attack in the area, leading to heightened warnings for residents about potential dangers in the river. Following the incident, the community has started treating the ox with great reverence, considering it a divine protector.
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