Gujarat Forest Dept Nabs 3 for Illegal Lion Sighting, Harassment

Gir East: The Gir East Forest Department has arrested three Ahmedabad residents for allegedly entering a restricted area, conducting an illegal lion sighting and harassing lions in the Jasadhar Range.

The accused have been identified as Ashish Mansukhbhai Virani, 40, Archit Kishorebhai Giani, 28, and Dhaval Kishorebhai Vasoya, 36, all residents of Nikol, Ahmedabad.

The Forest Department received information late Tuesday night that some visitors from outside the area were allegedly involved in illegal lion sightings, entering restricted areas and harassing lions in the Jasadhar Range.

Acting on the information, a team from the Jasadhar Range conducted an operation and detained three people. Legal action has been initiated against them under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and other applicable provisions.

The Forest Department has appealed to tourists and visitors to follow wildlife protection rules and avoid entering restricted areas or engaging in activities that disturb lions. Citizens have also been urged to report any suspicious or illegal wildlife-related activity to the nearest forest official. DeshGujarat