A serious wildlife incident was reported from Bhavnagar district on Monday morning, 6 July 2026, where a cattle keeper sustained severe injuries after being attacked by a lioness near his residence. The victim, identified as Kalu Parmar, was outside his home on the outskirts of Garajiya village in Palitana taluka when the attack occurred around 8 am. According to eyewitness accounts, the lioness appeared suddenly and lunged at him. It first seized his hand in its jaws and later attacked his leg, causing him to fall to the ground.
The unexpected encounter created panic among villagers, many of whom witnessed the incident. Some residents recorded videos on their mobile phones, which later circulated widely on social media. The visuals have raised fresh concerns about the increasing movement of Asiatic lions into human-inhabited areas.
As the attack unfolded, villagers rushed to help Parmar. They shouted and threw stones in an attempt to drive the lioness away. Despite sustaining serious injuries and heavy blood loss, Parmar continued to resist the animal’s grip.
Preliminary reports indicate that he suffered multiple wounds due to repeated bites. The situation could have turned fatal, but the timely intervention of villagers forced the lioness to retreat. Parmar was initially taken to a government hospital in Palitana. Due to the severity of his condition, he was later referred to a medical facility in Bhavnagar, where he is currently undergoing treatment.
Following the incident, forest department officials reached the village and initiated an investigation. Efforts have been launched to trace the lioness, and surveillance in the surrounding area has been intensified to prevent further such encounters.
The attack has once again highlighted the growing concerns of residents living near forest fringes. Locals claim that sightings of lions in and around villages have become frequent, yet adequate preventive measures have not been implemented.
