A startling and unexpected visitor made its way onto the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay campus in Powai this week, sending shockwaves through the student community and sparking a frenzy online. On the night of Sunday, March 23, a massive crocodile was spotted casually strolling along a lakeside road near the Padmavati Temple, leaving onlookers both terrified and bewildered.
The incident, captured on video by quick-thinking students, quickly went viral across social media platforms, amassing millions of views and countless reactions. The footage shows the large reptile, believed to have emerged from the nearby Powai Lake, resting nonchalantly on the pavement as students scrambled to safety. “It was surreal—like something out of a movie,” said Rohan Sharma, a third-year engineering student who witnessed the event. “We’re used to seeing stray dogs or the occasional monkey, but a crocodile? That’s next-level.”
Animal rescuer Pawan Sharma, founder of the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) and an honorary wildlife warden, responded to the scene alongside local authorities. He noted that such occurrences are rare, as crocodiles typically remain in the lake waters and avoid human-inhabited areas. “This one might be a female searching for a nesting site to lay eggs,” Sharma speculated. “She didn’t seem aggressive, and after some time, she crawled back into the lake on her own.”
The Mumbai Range of the Thane Territorial Wing has since taken charge, monitoring the situation closely and urging residents to stay vigilant. “We’ve asked people not to panic but to avoid areas near the lake where crocodiles might appear,” a forest official stated. The Powai Lake, known to house a population of Indian Marsh Crocodiles, has occasionally seen these reptiles venture onto land, though never quite so boldly onto a bustling campus.
Online, the incident has sparked a mix of awe, fear, and humor. “Even the crocodile wants to crack JEE and get into IIT!” one X user quipped, while another remarked, “Guess it’s here for the placements.” The video’s viral spread has also reignited discussions about urban-wildlife interactions, with some calling for better safety measures around the lake.
For the students of IIT Bombay, the crocodile’s campus tour has become the talk of the town, overshadowing even the most rigorous exam prep. “I’ll never look at Powai Lake the same way again,” laughed Priya Menon, a master’s student. “Maybe it’s a sign we need a break from studying!”
As authorities continue to ensure the safety of both the campus community and its scaly intruder, this unusual encounter serves as a reminder of nature’s unpredictable presence—even in the heart of one of India’s premier academic institutions.