Gir: The Gir (East) Forest Department has detained eight persons from Veraval and Prabhas Patan for allegedly harassing Asiatic lions and illegally entering restricted forest areas to create social media content.

The action follows the circulation of several videos on Instagram showing people disturbing lions and entering prohibited forest areas. Taking the matter seriously, the Gir (East) Forest Department launched a special investigation led by Deputy Conservator of Forests Vikas Yadav and Assistant Conservator of Forests Kapil Bhatia.

Officials of the Jasadhar Range carried out an intensive probe over the past 15 to 20 days using both human intelligence and technical surveillance. Based on the investigation, eight accused were detained in Veraval with the assistance of the local police.

The detained persons have been identified as Panja Mohammad Aminbhai, Mohammadjabil Abul Kalavaniya, Qazi Farooqnazhussain Zakirhussain, Bloch Ayaz Anwar, Kalwat Zainul Abedin Mohammad, Bhadarka Sofian Iqbalbhai, Sabirhussain Isa Mohammad Bhadarka, and Bhadarka Sohil Suleman. All of them are residents of the Veraval and Prabhas Patan areas.

During the investigation, forest officials also identified several Instagram accounts allegedly used to upload or share videos of the illegal activities. Action has been initiated against the accused under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act.

The Forest Department has appealed to the public not to promote, share, or make viral videos showing the harassment of lions, disturbance to wildlife, or illegal entry into restricted forest areas. Instead, citizens have been urged to immediately inform the nearest forest office so that legal action can be taken against those responsible. DeshGujarat