Rajkot: A forest department tracker was injured after a lioness attacked him during a rescue and release operation near Rampara village in Rajula taluka of Amreli district on Sunday, officials said.The incident took place during a de-worming exercise, part of the department’s summer strategy to ensure safer movement of Asiatic lions in the region.According to officials, the lioness had been captured earlier and was being released back into the wild when it suddenly turned aggressive. In a sudden charge, the animal lunged at the team of trackers and attacked Naka Ram, leaving him with serious injuries.Forest personnel at the site quickly intervened and managed to pull the injured tracker away, preventing further harm. He was rushed to a hospital in Mahuva for treatment.Dr Jayanti Hadia, a surgeon at the hospital, said, “A minor surgery has been performed and his condition is stable. Though the injuries were serious, he is out of danger and under observation.”The lioness, identified as ‘Lakshmi’, is known to frequent the Rampara, Bherai and Pipavav belt.The incident has raised concerns within the forest department. Officials said safety protocols for field staff involved in rescue and release operations are likely to be reviewed. Local residents, too, have voiced concern, urging stricter monitoring and preventive measures to avoid such incidents.
