Lion attacks 2 forest dept personnel in Amreli; Search operation underway with 10 teams, drones

Rajkot: A mega search operation has been launched by the forest department after an ailing lion attacked two forest department personnel during a rescue operation near Navi Barpatoli village in Rajula taluka of Amreli district on Saturday night. More than 24 hours after the incident, the lion remains untraced, prompting the department to intensify its search efforts.

The incident occurred when forester M J Khavadiya and tracker Bharat Jogdiya were attempting to rescue the injured and weakened lion after it was spotted in the area. During the operation, the animal suddenly attacked the duo, leaving both injured.

They were rushed to a private hospital in Rajula for treatment. Jogdiya reportedly suffered serious abdominal injuries and was later referred to Bhavnagar for further treatment.

Following the attack, the forest department formed 10 teams to trace the lion. Teams from the Rajula, Jafrabad and Khambha ranges, led by their respective range forest officers (RFOs), are scanning areas where the lion is believed to have moved. Officials are also looking for pugmarks and other signs to establish the animal’s presence.

The department is also using drones to assist in the search. While forest personnel are conducting ground-level searches, drones are being deployed to monitor the surrounding areas and identify any movement or signs of the lion.

Special teams from Sasan have also been called in to strengthen the operation. Shetrunji division DCF Chirag Amin said separate teams led by an ACF and an RFO had been deployed to scan different areas, while efforts to rescue the lion were continuing.

Meanwhile, it has also come to light that Khavadiya’s privately licensed revolver and six live cartridges were reportedly lost at the site amid the confusion following the attack. Forest officials have also begun efforts to trace the firearm and ammunition.

The lion is believed to have taken shelter in an area covered with standing crops and dense thorny bushes, making the search difficult. With the animal still untraced more than 24 hours after the attack, the forest department has intensified its mega search operation with 10 teams, drones and specialised personnel from Sasan. DeshGujarat