Lioness found dead in Junagadh; probe points to possible human involvement

Image for illustration purposes only. | Photo credit: Reuters

An Asiatic lion cub was found dead in Gujarat’s Junagadh district on Wednesday (June 24, 2026), with preliminary findings indicating possible human involvement in its death, forest officials said.

The dead body of the seven- to eight-month-old cub was discovered in the Rabari Nes area near Junagadh town, officials said.

A preliminary examination revealed severe physical injuries on the cub’s body, indicating that it may have been attacked. The Forestry Office has launched an investigation into the incident.

Officials said the role of a local resident emerged during the initial investigation. The suspect is currently on the run and efforts are underway to locate him.

“The man’s mobile phone has been switched off. The forest department and the police are jointly conducting an intensive search operation,” the forest department said in a statement.

A post mortem is underway at Junagadh’s Sakkarbaug Zoo by a panel of three veterinary doctors to ascertain the exact cause of death.

Teams from the forest department, police and Forensic Science Laboratory have visited the spot and are collecting evidence as part of the scientific investigation.

Officials said further legal action would be taken based on the findings of the post-mortem report, forensic analysis and other evidence gathered during the investigation.

The incident occurred a day after another lion cub was rescued from an open well in the same forest stand. Forest officials said the cub was rescued safely and is in good health.

The population of Asiatic lions is concentrated in and around the Gir forest, spread over the districts of Junagadh, Gir Somnath, Amreli and Bhavnagar, making the region the last natural habitat of the species.

Published – 24 Jun 2026 19:48 IST