Asiatic Lion Cub Found Dead in Junagadh; Suspect at Large

A male Asiatic lion cub was found dead in Gujarat's Junagadh district on Wednesday, with preliminary findings suggesting possible human involvement in its death, forest officials said.

The carcass of the seven to eight-month-old cub was discovered in the Rabari Nes area near Junagadh city, according to officials. A preliminary examination revealed severe physical injuries on the cub's body, indicating that it may have been attacked.

The forest department has launched an investigation into the incident. Officials said the role of a local resident has emerged during the initial probe. The suspect is currently absconding, and efforts are under way to trace him.

“The man’s mobile phone is switched off. An intensive search operation is being carried out jointly by the forest department and the police,” the forest department said in a statement.

A post-mortem examination is being conducted at the Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden in Junagadh by a panel of three veterinary doctors to ascertain the exact cause of death. Teams from the forest department, police and the Forensic Science Laboratory have visited the spot and are collecting evidence as part of a scientific investigation. Officials said further legal action would be taken based on the findings of the post-mortem report, forensic analysis and other evidence gathered during the probe.

The incident comes a day after another lion cub was rescued from an open well in the same forest range. Forest officials said the cub was rescued safely and is in good health.

The Asiatic lion population is concentrated in and around the Gir forest, spread across the districts of Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar, making the region the species’ last natural habitat.