Amreli: A truck driver has been arrested for allegedly running over a lioness in Amreli district. The incident occurred on the Amreli-Savarkundla highway near Devaliya village on April 24, when the accused, Rajesh Padariya, struck the lioness in the early hours of Tuesday while speeding and fled the scene.

Assistant Conservator of Forest (ACF) Viralsinh Chavda stated that three teams were formed to locate the suspect, who was arrested with the help of CCTV footage and intelligence reports. The teams investigated the area and traced the vehicle using footage from CCTV cameras at nearby petrol pumps and the incident site.

The accused has been booked under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 and the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act of 2022. He was sent to jail after his bail was denied. DeshGujarat