Bhavnagar: The forest department took three farmers into custody on Saturday in connection with the death of a lion in the Mahuva range of the Shetrunji division.

Forest department teams, while on patrol near Mota Khuntvada village in Mahuva taluka on Friday, found the carcass of a male lion, estimated to be between five and nine years old. Following this, a team of officials from the Palitana, Jesar, and Mahuva ranges, along with a veterinary officer, forensic experts, PGVCL engineers, and a dog squad, was formed to determine the cause of the suspicious death.

Jayen Patel, deputy conservator of forests, Shetrunji division, stated that during the probe, the team found equipment linked to an illegal electricity connection and discovered animal fur on a live wire in a farm. The individuals detained are identified as Aalish Gogda (55), Aarif Gogda (30), and Ishuf Gogda (22), residents of Mota Khuntvada village. They have been held under the Wildlife Protection Act for setting up electric fencing to protect their crops, which resulted in the death of the lion. DeshGujarat