Gujarat's Illegal Lion Show Gang Must Be Stopped!

Lion family in Gir Forest

The Asiatic lion is known for being India's pride. Its image is depicted on the Lion Capital of Ashoka which is also the country's national emblem and is often seen accompanying Bharat Mata ("Mother India"), the national personification of India. In addition, the lion is closely associated with the Hindu mythology as being the representative of Narasimha, one of many avatars of God Vishnu, and as the vahana of Durga, the warrior goddess. However, despite its prominent role in India's culture and history, the Asiatic lion has constantly been the victim of anthropogenic pressure even after successfully recovering from the brink of extinction. The current threat to the lion in its native Gujarati homeland is in the form of so-called "lion shows." This form of entertainment involves local people harassing the animals by baiting them with domestic livestock for tourists coming to see lions in their natural habitat. Such incidences have caught the attention of law enforcement in Gujarat's districts, where lions are presently found and resulted in arrests of people responsible for holding such illegal and loathsome acts.

Gir vegetation

The most recent case involved a gang of twenty people from a small village in Shemardi, 25 kilometers from the town of Dhari in Amreli district. The location is known for being a hotbed for illegal lion shows. According to police sources, this gang has been heavily involved in wildlife crimes since 1996 with offences ranging from poaching to lion shows. However, some of these lowlifes have even been accused in attacks on police officers in Amreli. For example, on February 16, five members of this gang instituted a vicious attack on a team of Dhari police who went to arrest them in an illegal arms case. Among the victims of the attack included police sub-inspector Mahendra Vala who suffered a severe stabbing injury in the stomach. Police sources further stated that the gang is involved in looting and intimidating locals with country-made guns. A few months ago, police recovered lion claws and other body parts along with seven guns. In an effort to protect the lions, the police enforced Section 55 of the Gujarat Police Act which entitles the police to banish the gang from certain areas. The banishment was ordered by Amreli district magistrate Sri Aayush Oak after viewing the FIRs lodged against the members and local testimonies. In addition to Amreli district, members of this gang have been prohibited from entering talukas of Gir Somnath and Junagadh districts. These include Gir, Gir Gadhada, Kodinar, Malia Hatina, Mendarda, Sutrapada, Talala, Veraval, Visavadar, and few others that border Gir Forest. The banishment is in effect until February 28, 2020.

Reservoir of Kamleshwar Dam in Gir

I find it extremely disturbing to see that the perpetrators behind the illegal lion shows in Gujarat are involved in crimes against people, including police. How can expelling these heartless animals from entering certain areas in the state help in protecting both lions and people? I strongly believe that this gang should be arrested and tried under full extent of the law, in order to make an example that anybody involved in crimes against wildlife cannot go unpunished. Some of the members of this gang were allegedly involved in a brutal attack against Dhari police in February. This makes them a menace to society and simply banning them from entering areas in the vicinity of Gir Forest would do little to change that. The gang would certainly travel elsewhere in Gujarat to conduct their illegal activities and that would make the situation more worse. I strongly urge the government of Gujarat to take necessary steps to capture the members of this nefarious gang and bring them to justice, in order to save both lions and people. The Asiatic lion is the pride of Gujarat and India, and it is in danger in its own homeland from ruthless lunatics who use this majestic animal as a source to make money from. And these lunatics will terrorize and attack anyone who tries to stop them.

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