Rajkot: Two forest officials were injured after an ailing lion suddenly attacked them during an operation to rescue the animal near Navi Barpatoli village in Rajula taluka of Amreli district on Saturday.The incident occurred when forester M J Khavadiya and tracker Bharat Jogdiya were involved in rescue efforts after the injured and weakened lion was reportedly spotted in the area. During the operation, the lion suddenly attacked the duo, leaving both injured.They were taken to a private hospital in Rajula. Sources said Jogdiya sustained injuries to his abdomen and was later referred to Bhavnagar for further treatment.Shetrunji division DCF Chirag Amin said, “Separate teams led by an ACF and RFO have been deployed to scan different areas and efforts to rescue the lion were continuing.”Meanwhile, sources said Khavadiya’s privately licensed revolver and six live cartridges were reportedly lost at the site during the chaos 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 by standing crops and dense thorny bushes, making the search operation difficult.
