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Even as the number of illegal lion shows in Gir National Park and its surrounding areas has been on a surge, the state government termed these to be “stray incidents” in the House on Monday.
According to data shared by the state government in the House in response to an unstarred question by Congress MLA Arvind Ladani, one case of illegal lion show was reported from Gir National Park in the financial year 2020-2021 (April 1, 2020 to March 31, 2021). However, a total of 12 such incidents were reported in the year 2022-23 from within the Gir National Park and its surrounding areas.
For one such incident reported in the year 2020-21, one offence was lodged with seven accused in the case and the case is pending at the court. In March 2021 seven persons, including three Ahmedabad tourists were convicted for being part of an illegal lion show in Babariya range of Gir West.
In the year 2021-22, of the total five such incidents that were reported, three offences were lodged with six accused from whom Rs 82,500 was recovered as an advance recovery fee. They were granted bail. In two other offences, court cases are pending against the seven accused.
In 2023, of the 12 such cases, an advance recovery fee was recovered worth Rs 1.58 lakh from 31 accused in nine such cases. They were then released on bail. In three other cases, the court case is pending against 10 accused.
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