Ahmedabad/Rajkot: Three persons, including man who was killed by a lion, have been booked by officers in the Liliya forest range of Amreli for allegedly conducting an illegal “lion show”.Forest officials said the range initiated one of its strongest enforcement actions in recent months after the incident, which occurred during the lions’ mating period, triggered concerns over the harassment of Asiatic lions.Acting on state govt directions to treat the case seriously and set a deterrent example, the forest department registered offences under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and other relevant laws against the three, including the deceased, Sohil Memon.Officials said the case alleges that the accused approached lions during a sensitive time, while a pair were mating, disturbing the animals and putting themselves at risk. Those booked are Memon and Rehankhan Pathan, residents of Amreli, and Yashrajsinh Vaja of Savarkundla.Pathan and Vaja have been arrested and will be produced in court.According to investigators, the accused used mobile phones to make video calls, record footage of the lions and share the videos with others, thereby promoting the illegal practice of viewing lions at close quarters.Forest officials said the offences invoked carry imprisonment ranging from three to seven years. The department reiterated that disturbing lions, particularly during the mating season, can increase stress, provoke aggression and endanger both the animals and humans. It warned that strict action would continue against such violations.During questioning, Pathan and Vaja said they had stopped their motorcycle because Memon wanted to relieve himself, after which he was attacked by a lion. Investigators said the two later admitted they had gone to the area after hearing lions roar, intending to watch the animals at close range.
