Protected Crocodile Harassed for Selfies in Viral Rajasthan Video

New Delhi, December 11, 2025: A deeply disturbing video clip, capturing a group of young individuals attempting dangerous stunts with a crocodile for the sake of social media content, has achieved massive viral circulation. The footage, believed to be filmed in the Kota area of Rajasthan, instantly triggered severe safety concerns and led to strong condemnation from wildlife conservationists across the country. The video provided stark evidence of the risks being taken as public attention is prioritized over personal safety and respect for wildlife.

The Dangerous Stunt Is Documented

The widely circulated footage was filmed near a body of water, showing several young men surrounding a large reptile that had apparently ventured into a public area. The endangered animal was observed being handled and intimidated by the group. The clip distinctly showed the men attempting to position themselves for selfies and short videos with the animal at extremely close range.

In one particularly alarming sequence, the crocodile was reportedly seen having its mouth forcibly restrained with tape while its tail was pulled or grabbed by the individuals. This deliberate provocation, performed entirely to create sensational social media ‘Reels,’ was immediately flagged as an act of extreme recklessness, dramatically escalating the potential for a severe accident.

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Life-Threatening Risks Are Highlighted

The principal concern generated by the video centered on the life-threatening risks willingly assumed by the young men. Crocodiles are apex predators whose immense strength and speed are well-documented; any sudden retaliation by the reptile could have resulted in fatal injuries being inflicted on the reelmakers. The incident was widely cited as a chilling example of how basic safety instincts are often suppressed when the pursuit of viral fame becomes the overriding motive.

Furthermore, immense stress and harm were confirmed to have been inflicted upon the Schedule I protected species. Wildlife experts stressed that such harassment is not only dangerous for humans but also severely traumatizing for the wild animal, constituting a gross violation of animal welfare ethics.

Wildlife Protection Act Violations Are Confirmed

Following the public uproar caused by the video, the incident was quickly brought to the attention of the Kota Territorial Forest Department. The footage was immediately taken into cognizance, and a prompt investigation was launched into the matter. It was confirmed that the crocodile is designated as a Schedule I species under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, affording it the highest level of legal protection.

It has been mandated by law that strict action will be taken against the individuals identified in the video for harassment and disturbing a protected wildlife habitat. The public was strongly urged by officials to refrain from touching or interfering with wild animals, as legal prosecution will be initiated in all such confirmed cases.