In a tragic incident highlighting the perils faced by wildlife on human-dominated landscapes, a young man from Ahmedabad has been arrested for allegedly killing a lioness in a high-speed vehicle collision. The event has sent shockwaves through conservation circles and underscores the ongoing conflict on roads cutting through critical animal habitats in Gujarat.
The Fatal Collision and Investigation
The incident occurred on January 4 near Hemal village in Jafrabad taluka. The victim was a lioness, whose carcass was later discovered by forest department officials close to the Bhavnagar–Somnath National Highway. A post-mortem examination confirmed that the big cat succumbed to injuries sustained from being hit by a vehicle.
Acting swiftly, a team led by Viralsinh Chavda, the assistant conservator of forest for the Shetrunji division, launched a detailed probe. Their investigation pivoted to analysing CCTV footage from multiple points between Una and Bhavnagar. This technological trail proved crucial in identifying the suspect vehicle involved in the fatal crash.
Tracking Down the Accused
"Further tracking led us to Ahmedabad," stated Viralsinh Chavda, detailing the cross-district operation. With coordinated support from the Ahmedabad city police, the authorities zeroed in on the suspect. The accused was identified as Ravi Bharwad, a 23-year-old resident of Subhashnagar in Ahmedabad.
Upon apprehension, Bharwad reportedly confessed to hitting the lioness with his speeding car. The vehicle suspected to be involved in the incident was immediately seized by officials as evidence. Legal proceedings have been initiated against the accused under the stringent Wildlife Protection Act.
Recurring Danger in Lion Corridors
This case is not an isolated one. Forest officials pointed out that such distressing events are unfortunately common in specific regions of the state. The coastal belt encompassing Rajula, Jafrabad, and Pipavav is crisscrossed by roads that pass directly through established lion corridors. These highways become deadly traps for the endangered Asiatic lions when they attempt to cross.
Following the judicial process, Ravi Bharwad was produced before a court in Jafrabad, which remanded him to judicial custody. The arrest serves as a stern reminder of the legal consequences of harming protected wildlife.
In light of this and similar incidents, the forest department has renewed its appeal to all motorists. Authorities urge drivers to strictly adhere to speed limits and exercise extreme caution while navigating through signposted wildlife zones and habitats. Such vigilance is essential to prevent further loss of precious wildlife and ensure the safety of both animals and humans on these shared pathways.
