A migrant worker lost his life in a lion attack near Kovaya village in Rajula taluka of Amreli district, triggering fear and anger among local residents. The victim’s partially devoured remains were recovered from the spot, highlighting growing concerns over increasing lion movement near human settlements.
The deceased, identified as Prakash Chandra, was a native of Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand and was employed at a local hotel-restaurant in the area. According to preliminary information, he had left the hotel late at night, reportedly to travel to his hometown, when he was attacked by a lion near Kovaya village.
The lion is believed to have dragged the victim into nearby bushes. After receiving information about the incident the following morning, local residents and Forest Department officials rushed to the scene, where human remains were discovered.
The incident has sparked outrage among villagers and workers employed in nearby industrial units. Amrubhai Wagh, an employee of a private company, said several factories in the area operate round the clock, requiring workers to travel during late-night and early-morning hours. Frequent sightings of lions in the vicinity have created a sense of insecurity among employees and residents, he said.
He added that while people travelling in four-wheelers are relatively safer, those using two-wheelers or walking remain highly vulnerable. He urged the Forest Department to take immediate steps to ensure public safety.
Kovaya village sarpanch Jinabhai Lakhnotra said the victim was working at a local restaurant and pointed out that a similar incident had previously occurred in nearby Bhakodar village. He demanded that the Forest Department deploy additional trackers and implement stronger measures to control lion movement near residential areas.
The sarpanch also appealed to the government to provide immediate financial assistance to the victim’s family and warned that residents may launch protests if adequate safety measures are not introduced.
Following the incident, a team from the Rajula Range Forest Department launched a large-scale operation to capture the lion responsible for the attack. Officials cordoned off the area, and the animal was later tranquillised and captured with the assistance of wildlife experts and veterinary personnel.
Forest Department officials said further investigations and monitoring operations are underway, as there is a possibility that more lions were present in the area at the time of the attack. Villagers have been advised to avoid venturing alone into isolated areas at night and to follow safety precautions.