Porbandar: A 50-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the alleged killing of a male Asiatic lion cub whose carcass was found in Junagadh earlier this week.

The accused, Baavan Punabhai Chavda, was arrested from the Kutiyana area of Porbandar. He is a resident of Rabari Ness near Junagadh, where the carcass of the 7-8-month-old lion cub was found on June 24. The area falls under the Dungar (South) range of the Junagadh Forest Division.

According to Deputy Conservator of Forests (Junagadh) Akshay Joshi, the cub’s carcass bore injury marks, prompting the forest department to launch an investigation. Based on technical analysis, evidence collected from the scene, and human intelligence, officials identified Chavda as the prime suspect.

Three teams of the Junagadh Forest Department conducted a search operation in Porbandar’s Kutiyana taluka before apprehending the accused. He has been brought to Junagadh for further questioning.

During interrogation, officials said Chavda confessed to killing the lion cub. According to the forest department, he also admitted to killing several dogs and snakes in the past, indicating what officials described as a pattern of violent behaviour towards animals.

A forest offence has been registered against the accused under the provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, and further investigation is underway. DeshGujarat