Man, 21, dragged to death and torn apart by lion during illegal safari trip

A 21‑year‑old man was mauled to death by a lion after allegedly joining an illegal lion‑watching group in Gujarat’s Amreli district.

The attack happened on July 8, near the border of Antalya Revenue area and Luwaria Reserve Forest in Liliya taluka.

The victim, Sohil Memon, was dragged deep into the forest by the lion. The animal remained beside the body in an aggressive posture until officials managed to recover it.

Forest officers said the group had intruded into the protected zone at around 7:30-8 p.m. The lions and lioness in the area are currently in mating season. Following the incident, the Forest Department launched an immediate operation, tranquilized the male lion believed to be responsible for the attack, and shifted it to a cage.

Officials added, “The lion is estimated to be between nine and 12 years old.”

Deputy Conservator of Forests Chirag Amin explained, “If a lion is seen naturally in a village or on farmland, that is not illegal lion watching. But harassing wild animals is a crime under the Wildlife Protection Act, and anyone caught doing so faces serious consequences.”

“The animal refused to move away from the victim, forcing forest personnel to enter the area with a convoy of government vehicles,” officials added. “After a prolonged effort, the team managed to retrieve the body and sent it for post-mortem examination.”

Two youths believed to be part of the group have been detained for questioning. Investigators are examining mobile phones that appear to have had photos and videos deleted. The devices will be sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory to retrieve erased files and establish the sequence of events.

Authorities stressed that disturbing or provoking wildlife breaches the law and carries severe penalties.

The incident has reignited concern over rising human‑lion encounters in the Gir region. At least four attacks have been reported in the past 20 days, including the death of a 5‑year‑old boy in Amreli last month. Other recent cases have been logged in Jafrabad, Savarkundla, Rajula, and Bhavnagar.

The Forest Department is continuing its investigation, aiming to identify all those present and enforce stricter action against unlawful lion safaris.

Officials have also renewed calls for public awareness to prevent further tragedies.