The Gujarat Forest Department has captured six lions over three days in the Shetrunji division, covering parts of Amreli and Bhavnagar districts, following two separate incidents in which humans were killed and partially consumed.
First Incident: Remains Found in Gadhada Village
On June 17, scattered human remains were discovered on a privately owned property in Gadhada village, Mahuva taluka, Bhavnagar district. Preliminary investigations indicated a fatal lion attack. The victim was identified as Nagji Gujariya, a resident of Gadhada village, who had been reported missing by his brother two days earlier. Forest officials, veterinary experts, and a Rapid Action Team rushed to the spot after receiving information about the remains. During the examination, veterinary officers recovered hair from a male lion's mane and fresh pugmarks in the area, strengthening suspicions of a lion attack.
“With the assistance of experienced trackers from the Sasan range, intensive surveillance and rescue operations were launched. A lioness was captured on June 17, while a male lion was tranquillised on June 19 in a reserve forest area near the incident site,” the Forest department said in a statement. Both animals have been shifted to the Animal Care Centre for further observation.
Second Incident: Dhaba Worker Killed in Amreli
Earlier on June 16, the mutilated body of a man working at a highway dhaba was found near Kovaya village in Amreli district. He had stepped out shortly after midnight and was last seen urinating in an area with significant lion movement. “The victim ventured out alone in the dark despite warnings from his friend and a security guard who were accompanying him. Moving around in lion-prone areas at night can be extremely dangerous,” a forest official said. The Forest department has captured four lions suspected to have been involved in the Kovaya incident.
Total Captures and Public Advisory
With the latest captures, a total of six lions linked to the two fatal attacks have been captured and kept under observation. The Forest department has advised people living in lion-prone areas to avoid venturing alone into deserted locations or farmlands at night, travel in groups whenever possible, carry a torch and a wooden stick during night or early-morning movement, restrict agricultural activities to daylight hours, and stay away from wildlife corridors, particularly while under the influence of alcohol.
