The Forest Department has uncovered and dismantled a major unauthorised wildlife viewing operation in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district, taking action against individuals involved in arranging illegal lion sightings within protected forest areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During a planned enforcement drive, forest officials launched a targeted operation against seven people allegedly connected to the unlawful wildlife viewing network. Investigations identified Alfaz Anwarbhai Malek, a resident of Mandor village, as the key organiser who was reportedly facilitating illegal lion-viewing activities from his private property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to the investigation, Ghelu Nathabhai Kumbharvadiya, a resident of Morbi, arrived at Malek’s farm along with three friends. Officials stated that the group gathered at the property for a private party before entering nearby protected forest areas during the night in an attempt to locate and observe Asiatic lions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While conducting routine night patrols in the region, Forest Department personnel detected the movement of the group inside the sensitive wildlife habitat. As the suspects noticed the approaching patrol team, they reportedly fled the area on foot, leaving behind their Mahindra Thar vehicle inside the forest zone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Following the incident, forest authorities immediately initiated an extensive search and combing operation across the surrounding area. The operation ultimately led to the apprehension of all seven individuals involved in the case. As part of the legal action, the Forest Department imposed a total penalty of \u20b94 lakh on the accused persons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
During the subsequent investigation, officials carried out a detailed inspection of the abandoned Mahindra Thar vehicle. The search reportedly resulted in the recovery of several bottles of foreign liquor concealed inside the vehicle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As Gujarat enforces strict prohibition laws, the discovery of alcohol added another legal dimension to the case. Consequently, forest authorities handed over the vehicle along with two of the primary accused individuals to the local police for further action under state law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Prabhas Patan Police have since taken custody of the suspects and the seized vehicle to initiate separate proceedings under the Prohibition Act. Authorities indicated that the case is being investigated from both wildlife protection and law enforcement perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Officials believe the successful operation sends a strong message against illegal wildlife tourism activities in the Gir National Park<\/a> landscape. They added that the coordinated action between the Forest Department and local police has created concern among groups and individuals involved in organising unauthorised commercial lion-viewing excursions in and around protected forest areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The incident highlights the ongoing efforts of authorities to curb illegal safari operations, protect wildlife habitats, and ensure that tourism activities around Gir are conducted strictly within the framework of wildlife conservation laws.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The Forest Department has uncovered and dismantled a major unauthorised wildlife viewing operation in Gujarat’s Gir Somnath district, taking action against individuals involved in arranging illegal lion sightings within protected forest areas. During a planned enforcement drive, forest officials launched a targeted operation against seven people allegedly connected to the … <\/p>\n