A brief scare gripped pilgrims visiting the sacred Shetrunjay Hill in Gujarat’s Bhavnagar district after a lion was spotted on the pilgrimage route, prompting devotees to rush to safety, forest officials said.
According to officials, pilgrims making their way to the hilltop temple noticed the lion near the pathway and immediately moved away from the area. Some devotees reportedly abandoned their journey midway due to concerns over their safety.
Amid the commotion, one pilgrim allegedly left behind a bag containing valuables while fleeing. Officials said the lion picked up the bag in its mouth and carried it towards a nearby forested area.
The pilgrim later informed the forest department, following which officials launched a search operation. A team of forest personnel and trackers combed the area in the direction where the animal had been seen moving.
After an extensive search, the bag was successfully recovered from the forest. Forest officials said the bag was found intact and none of the valuables inside had been damaged or lost.
The recovered belongings were subsequently handed back to the pilgrim after the required formalities were completed.
Following the incident, the forest department has intensified patrolling and wildlife monitoring around Shetrunjay Hill to ensure the safety of pilgrims and visitors. Officials have also urged devotees to remain alert and follow safety instructions while travelling through areas frequented by wildlife.