11-Year-Old Boy Killed in Lion Attack While Climbing Girnar Hill in Gujarat; One Big Cat Captured
An 11-year-old boy died after a lion attacked him while he was climbing Girnar Hill with his family in Gujarat’s Junagadh district in the early hours of Saturday, July 11. Forest officials have since captured one lion. A search is underway for two more big cats reportedly seen in the area.
How the attack happened
Girnar Hill is a major pilgrimage site in Gujarat, home to several temples and shrines at the hilltop, and draws thousands of devotees.
Junagadh Collector Yogesh Chaudhary identified the victim as Mayur Chauhan. “The boy, Mayur Chauhan, was climbing the hill with his family when a lion attacked and dragged him away near the stairway between 5 am and 6 am. His remains were later recovered and handed over to the family,” Chaudhary told PTI.
Three lions spotted near the stairway
Eyewitnesses reported seeing three lions near the stairway where the attack occurred. Forest department officials have captured one; the other two are still being searched for.
Stairway closed as a precaution
Authorities have temporarily closed the stairway where the attack took place. Pilgrims visiting Girnar Hill are being redirected through the old route until further notice, the Junagadh Collector said.