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A migrant worker was killed in a rare and brutal lion attack near Kovaya village in Rajula taluka of Amreli district in Gujarat.
The incident, which unfolded in the heart of a region known for its thriving Asiatic lion population, has sparked fear among residents and prompted an extensive intervention by the Forest Department.
The victim was identified as Prakash Chandra, a native of Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand, who had been working at a local hotel-restaurant and staying in accommodation located on the outskirts of the village.
According to preliminary information, Prakash left the hotel premises late at night, reportedly intending to begin his journey home.
Officials believe the lion was concealed in darkness near a tented area on the village outskirts when it came across the unsuspecting worker. Within moments, the big cat launched a fatal attack and dragged the victim deep into nearby bushes. By the time local residents discovered the scene the following morning, only partial remains, including portions of the skull and rib bones, were recovered, underscoring the ferocity of the attack and leaving villagers stunned.
Comment: Child killed in lioness attack in Gujarat, India - 6th such attack in the state in 7 monthsTo provide some context and underscore the rarity of this latest attack the whole of the Indian lion population (which exists solely in the state of Gujarat) according to
Wikipedia stands at just 891 individuals:
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The Indian population has steadily increased since 2010. In 2015, the 14th Asiatic Lion Census was conducted over an area of about 20,000 km2 (7,700 sq mi); the lion population was estimated at 523 individuals, and in 2017 at 650 individuals. In 2020 the population was 674 and by 2025 it had increased to 891.
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Illustrating again, the rare and atypical nature of these attacks by Asiatic lions, Wikipedia also mentions only 2 other recent killings - in 2012 and 2013:
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In July 2012, a lion dragged a man from the veranda of his house and killed him about 50 - 60 km (31 - 37 miles) from Gir Forest National Park. This was the second attack by a lion in this area, six months after a 25-year-old man was attacked and killed in Dhodada
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Comment: San Andreas Fault and tributaries cover much of California up to the Oregon border.