Indonesian 'shaman' killed while searching for body in crocodile-infested waters

Self-proclaimed crocodile shaman Suprianto was killed in a suspected crocodile attack while searching for a boy's body. PHOTO: SCREENGRAB FROM YOUTUBE VIDEO

KALIMANTAN - A self-proclaimed crocodile shaman who said he had the power to control crocodiles was killed in a suspected attack by one of the reptiles in Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, last Saturday (Sept 16).

The shaman, Suprianto, had been looking for the body of a boy who had gone missing in Muara Jawa estuary the previous day.

Disturbing footage showed Suprianto swimming and chanting in the estuary's waters before he was dragged under.

Kutai Kartanegara police chief Fadillah Zulkarnaen told local media that two bodies were recovered on Sunday. Suprianto's body was found floating at 9.40pm and his body was intact.

"I think he was dragged by a croc under the water and then ran out of oxygen," he added.

"From the pictures I've seen, his body is still intact, his arms and legs are still there."

The body of the boy, Arjuna, was also intact.

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