A freshwater crocodile came out of river Bhagirathi and roamed the roads of the town and courtyards of residents in East Burdwan's Kalna, creating panic among people for over eight hours before foresters trapped it on Tuesday morning.

Forest officials said the freshwater crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) was an adult female, 9.5 feet long and weighs over 230kg. Over two dozen persons were involved for over two hours to capture and put the reptile on a mini truck on Tuesday morning.

"The freshwater crocodile came out of the river and entered Kalna late on Monday night. Our people guarded the reptile overnight and finally rescued it on Tuesday morning. The crocodile will be rehabilitated in the river again. We thank the local people as the animal was not harmed in their panic," said Nisha Goswami, the divisional forest officer in East Burdwan.

A forester said the crocodile would be sent back to the river, away from human habitation on Tuesday night, after a thorough medical check-up.

"There are no external injuries to the reptile's body. However, we will thoroughly examine its health before rehabilitating it to river Bhagirathi," a senior forest official said.

A source said one of the residents of the Nichu Japat area of ward 10 of Kalna municipality was the first to spot the crocodile roaming the roads. He immediately informed his neighbours.

"It was the first time when we saw a crocodile crawl on the road and courtyards. We all were panicky and immediately informed the police. Then, the forest team came within an hour and asked us not to disturb the animal. But hundreds reached to take photographs," said Sadananda Pal, a local resident.

A source said thousands from both East Burdwan and Nadia on the other side of river Bhagirathi came to see the crocodile.

Nichu Japat is located on the bank of river Bhagirathi. A forester said the crocodile could have lost its way after coming out of the river and entered the town.

Kalna municipality on Tuesday launched a campaign through the public announcement system in a bid to stem the panic.

"This is the first time when a crocodile has come out of the water and entered our town. We have requested residents not to go deep inside the river while bathing," said Tapan Porel, the vice-chairman of the Trinamul-run Kalna Municipality.

A forester said they were worried as on Mahalaya later this week thousands would take a ritual dip.