Killer of lion cub hunted down within hours

Rajkot: Forest department officials have brought to justice a man who allegedly bludgeoned an eight-month-old lion cub to death near Junagadh, using intelligence inputs to swiftly track him down in Porbandar district.The cub’s carcass was found on Wednesday in the Rabari Ness area of the Dungar (South) range in the Junagadh forest division.Preliminary findings pointed to fatal human-inflicted injuries, prompting the forest department to treat the case as a wildlife crime.Using technical analysis, physical evidence and human intelligence, investigators identified the accused as Bavan Chavda, who fled the area after the killing.Three forest department teams launched a manhunt late on Thursday night. Chavda was found in Kutiyana taluka of Porbandar district early on Friday morning and brought back to Junagadh.“The cub’s carcass was examined at Sakkarbaug Zoo by a panel of three veterinary doctors, who confirmed trauma on its head. Investigators also recovered key physical evidence from the scene of the crime,” said Akshay Joshi, deputy conservator of forests, Junagadh.

The cub was likely bludgeoned to death with an axe handle.The forest department registered an offence under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Officials said Chavda will be produced in court after further interrogation and completion of the investigation. The Junagadh forest department reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against wildlife.