Junagadh: Forest tracker dies after tranquilising dart accidentally hits him during lioness rescue operation

A forest tracker on Monday died in Junagadh after a tranquilising dart hit him during the rescue operation of a lioness.

The incident happened on Sunday evening in a Visavadar village, following which the tracker died “of overdose of tranquilizing drug” at Junagadh Civil Hospital.

The deceased tracker has been identified as Ashraf Ali Chauhan, in his late 20s. He worked as a tracker under the outsourcing policy of the state government.

Elaborating on the details, Conservator of Forests (Junagadh Range) Ram Ratan Nala said, “The incident happened near Nani Monpari village of Visavadar in Junagadh where a lioness had killed a minor boy. A team of forest officials had reached there to rescue the lioness while also calling a team of wildlife veterinary doctors. The rescue team had other trackers too, including Chauhan. The lioness was sitting in Tuar field. To tranquilise the lioness, the doctor used the dart. However, unfortunately, the dart missed the lioness and hit Chauhan on his left hand. Chauhan was standing in the opposite direction. Chauhan was immediately taken to the Visavadar Hospital. Then we brought him to Junagadh Civil Hospital. Unfortunately, the doctors could not save him. They tried the entire night.”