Amreli: The Forest Department has been on alert after three lion cubs died at three different locations in Amreli district of Gujarat’s Gir region within 24 hours. An investigation has been launched into all three incidents. The department has initiated a special probe after suspicious circumstances emerged in the death of a lion cub found in the Dalkhaniya range.

The body of a six- to seven-month-old lion cub was found in the revenue area of Dalkhaniya village under the Dalkhaniya range. Preliminary investigation suggests the death was suspicious. The Forest Department suspects that an unidentified person may have killed the cub and dumped its body in the revenue area. The body has been sent for postmortem, and samples have been collected for forensic examination. The exact cause of death will be known only after the postmortem report is received.

The incident has also raised questions about the Forest Department’s response. Locals have alleged that the department’s team reached the spot late. DCF Vikas Yadav of the Dhari Gir East Division confirmed the death of the lion cub. However, the Forest Department has not issued any official response to the allegations.

The second incident was reported from Hamapur village in Bagasara taluka, where a two- to three-day-old lion cub died. The Forest Department is investigating the cause of its death.

The third incident occurred in the Paniya range. According to the Forest Department, another lion cub died during a territorial fight (infight) between lions.

Taking the deaths of three lion cubs in a single day seriously, senior Forest Department officials have stepped in. A search operation has been launched in the surrounding fields, orchards, and adjoining areas, particularly in the Dalkhaniya range, to investigate the suspicious death.

The Forest Department has sent the bodies of all three lion cubs for postmortem. Further action will be taken after the exact causes of death are established based on the postmortem and other investigation reports. DeshGujarat