Bettadapura:  The Bettadapura Police, following information from the public about sighting of crocodile hatchlings near Chowdikatte Lake in Muthinamulasoge village in Periyapatna taluk, have rescued the hatchlings and eggs. The same has been handed over to the Forest Department officials by the Police.

About 21 eggs were found in the lake bed and five hatchlings were also found near the eggs. Bettadapura Station Officer Jaiswamy, who arrived at the spot, took custody of the hatchlings and the eggs.

Meanwhile, Koppa ARFO K.T. Ravindra, who too arrived at the spot, said that after the public informed about the presence of crocodile hatchlings and eggs, he along with Bettadapura Station Officer Jaiswamy rushed to the spot and on inspecting the place, they found five crocodile hatchlings. He further said that as the hatchlings were found, the mother crocodile would be in the surroundings and added that the mother crocodile would be traced and shifted to a safe place.

While removing the eggs from the lake bed, five eggs were broken and hatchlings were also found. The hatchlings and the eggs were handed over to the Forest Department.

Bettadapura Police SI D.R. Jayaswamy, Swamy and staff Arun Kumar, Bhaskar, Forest Guards Ponnappa, Kotresh Poojar and villagers were present.