Dumka: Panic gripped residents after a large crocodile was spotted in the Gerua River near Sanaur village in Basantrai block of Godda district on Saturday, triggering concern among villagers and authorities.Residents said some villagers grazing cattle along the riverbank noticed the reptile — estimated to be 10 to 12 feet long — resting near the water. The sight caused instant alarm and prompted them to flee. Several villagers later captured photographs on mobile phones and uploaded them on social media.The sighting was reported to the forest department following which a team rushed to the spot and inspected multiple points along the river. Officials confirmed the crocodile’s presence and intensified monitoring. Residents were advised to avoid going near the river, refrain from bathing, fishing, or taking livestock to the riverbank, and immediately report any further sightings.Forester Rajeev Modi said the crocodile may have drifted into the Gerua from the Ganga River, covering about 40 to 50 km.“Based on the photographs, the reptile is an adult one measuring around 10 to 12 feet in length and may be nearly 30 years old,” he said.