DHAKA, Nov 26 (AFP) - A court in southern Bangladesh sentenced two men to two years in jail after they beat and blinded a sacred crocodile at a Muslim shrine, police said Thursday.

A magistrate handed down the punishment after the two -- caretakers of the 15th century Khan Jahan Ali shrine in coastal Bagerhat district -- were found guilty of "brutal treatment" of the animal, inspector Khairul Anam said.

"They beat the crocodile, which just laid eggs, mercilessly with sticks. One of its eyes was damaged and a front leg was seriously injured," he said, adding a woman filed the case after being moved by the plight of the animal.

The men were sentenced in absentia, he added.

A pond in front of the shrine is home to crocodiles revered by thousands of devotees who visit the site. The caretakers collect money by showing the crocodiles to pilgrims.