The district administration launched an investigation into the death of a dog attacked by a crocodile at the pond of the Khanjahan Ali Shrine in Bagerhat, following widespread criticism from animal lovers and netizens.

Sadar Upazila administrator (UNO) Atia Khatun said on Saturday she is heading the three-member panel, and pledged legal action against those responsible.

Sadar Model Police chief Shahidul Islam and District Livestock Official Md Saheb Ali are the rest investigators.

The move follows a viral video showing the crocodile sweeping away the dog as the canine tried to escape the attack on the ghat [a staircase leading to the pond].

Visitors filmed the gruesome incident until the dog was completely dragged underwater.

As the incident took the internet by storm, many accused a security guard of negligence in duty.

On Saturday afternoon, animal rights activists met with the Upazila administration and demanded punishment for those involved in the incident.

Witnesses said the dog was roaming in the shrine on Wednesday and suddenly scratched some visitors, prompting devotees to chase it to the ghat.

When guard Forkan Hawladar came to remove the dog from the pond, he was clawed on the right foot. As Forkan drove the dog away from the attack again, it slipped into the water.

The crocodile was nearby and instantly dragged and killed the canine.

The carcass was recovered from the pond on Friday and subsequently buried.

On Saturday, officials from the Livestock Department conducted a postmortem on the carcass and collected samples before sending them to Dhaka for further testing.

Activist Sandwip Moitra complained, “We have a video which shows the dog was standing at the edge of the pond, watching the fish. It looked healthy and normal.

“But some people suddenly hit it on the head and threw it into the pond.”

Another volunteer from Dhaka, Abdullah Qaiyum, said: "Those who committed this crime should be given exemplary punishment. I demand that they be brought to justice as soon as possible."

Denying the allegations, Forkan said: "The dog bit some visitors. When I tried to remove the dog, it bit me too.

“Later, when I kicked the dog and it fell into the water, the crocodile attacked and killed it,” he added.

He, however, admitted that nobody tried to save it in “fear” of the crocodile.

The dog was not thrown into the pond with its legs fastened, Forkan said.

UNO Atia vowed they will stay alert to avoid such incidents from recurring.