Rajkot: Conservation efforts aimed at Gujarat’s Asiatic lions have come under scrutiny after a disturbing video went viral on social media, showing a subadult lion being chased by a car at night, ostensibly in Amreli district. The clip elicited condemnation from animal lovers and lion activists, prompting the forest department to launch a high-level inquiry.The video, which circulated rapidly, shows the occupants of a car pursuing the frightened lion. The vehicle’s headlights illuminate the scene as the subadult animal is seen running desperately, to avoid being run over. The offence is more grating as the perpetrators included dialogue in the video to boast about their “bravery” before posting it online.The video is believed to have been shot in Amreli district, which is notable for having the highest number of lions living outside protected areas, with over 300 reported in revenue areas during the last census.The video has sent a shockwave through the wildlife conservation community and raised questions about the protection of lions and the effectiveness of conservation measures.Responding to the outrage, the forest department formed a special investigation team (SIT) to conduct a thorough probe. The SIT comprises senior officials, including the Una assistant conservator of forests; the task force range forest officer, Junagadh; the range forest officer of the mobile squad, Khamhba; and the range forest officer of Girgadhada.Vikas Yadav, deputy conservator of forests Gir (east), issued a statement on the matter. “Asiatic lions are the pride of India and are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act. Any kind of harassment of lions is a punishable offence under the act,” Yadav stated. “We are investigating the matter, and the perpetrators will be brought to justice.”
