Lioness kills Amreli farmer, refuses to let go of body after dragging it for over 100 metres

The area — about 1 km east of Kakidi Moli village of Una taluka in Gir-Somnath district — falls under Jasadhar Forest Range in Gir-East Division of Junagadh Wildlife Circle.

Forest officials said that the deceased was identified as Manga Bogha Baraiya (35). The Forest Department were informed about the incident around 6.45 pm.

Baraiya’s body was found in Timbi village of Amreli district, which lies in Jafrabad Forest Range of Shetrunji division. A forest official said that the lioness, after killing Baraiya, had apparently dragged his body across the forest jurisdictional line for 100-120 metres. The lioness was sitting on the top of the body when it was found — refusing to let go of it. Officials said they have never seen such a behaviour in animals before.

Notably, the jurisdictional line of the two wildlife divisions as well as the districts, passes between Kakidi Moli (Gir-Somnath) and Timbi (Amreli) villages.

It took about three-and-a-half hours for officials, who used bulldozers and a tractor, to make the lioness let go of the body. Baraiya’s body has been sent for post-mortem.

“Our officials waited on top of the vehicles because a lion always returns to the kill. So when she came back a few hours later, she was tranquilised, captured and taken to the forest department premises for tests and monitoring,” said an official.

A forest official said that Baraiya is survived by his wife, a 10-year-old daughter and two younger sons.

The Indian Express has confirmed that an accidental death report was filed at Nageshri police station.

A compensation of Rs 10 lakh will be handed over to the family of the deceased on Thursday.

Jayant Patel, the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF), Shetrunji Division, remained unavailable for comment till press time.