A disturbing video showing a subadult Asiatic lion being chased by a car in Gujarat's Amreli district has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage and prompting the state forest department to launch a high-level inquiry.
Details of the Incident
The clip, which circulated rapidly, shows the occupants of a car pursuing the frightened lion at night. The vehicle's headlights illuminate the scene as the subadult animal is seen running desperately to avoid being run over. The perpetrators are heard boasting about their 'bravery' in the video before posting it online. The video is believed to have been shot in Amreli district, which is notable for having the highest number of lions living outside protected areas, with over 300 reported in revenue areas during the last census.
Reaction and Investigation
The video has sent shockwaves through the wildlife conservation community and raised questions about the protection of lions and the effectiveness of conservation measures. Responding to the outrage, the forest department formed a special investigation team (SIT) to conduct a thorough probe. The SIT comprises senior officials, including the Una assistant conservator of forests; the task force range forest officer, Junagadh; the range forest officer of the mobile squad, Khamhba; and the range forest officer of Girgadhada.
Official Statement
Vikas Yadav, deputy conservator of forests Gir (east), issued a statement on the matter. 'Asiatic lions are the pride of India and are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Any kind of harassment of lions is a punishable offence under the act,' Yadav stated. 'We are investigating the matter, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice.'
The forest department has urged the public to report any such incidents and has assured that strict action will be taken against those found guilty. Wildlife activists have called for increased patrolling and surveillance in areas where lions roam outside protected zones.
