Lion Attack in Gujarat: Boy Killed While Climbing Girnar Hill, Big Cat Captured After Search

An 11-year-old boy was allegedly dragged away and killed by a lion while climbing Gujarat's Girnar Hill with his family early Sunday morning, July 11, prompting authorities to suspend the pilgrimage route and launch a large-scale search operation. The incident occurred around 5:45 am near the 50th step of the hill, where hundreds of devotees were present.

The family, residents of Modaj village in Kheda district, was ascending the hill when the lion reportedly attacked the child and dragged him into the nearby forest. Parts of the boy's body were later recovered about 100 metres from the scene and sent for forensic examination. Bhavnagar Lion Attack: Viral Video Shows Big Cat Attacking Man in Gujarat.

Forest Department Launches Search Operation

Following the attack, the Forest Department immediately stopped devotees from using the Girnar steps and deployed trackers, forest guards and veterinary teams to search the surrounding forest area.

Officials said the suspected lion was captured within about four hours of the incident. As a precaution, two other lions seen in the vicinity were also captured and shifted to Sakkarbaug Zoo for examination. Gujarat Lion Attack: Man Killed by Big Cat While Returning Home From Work in Amreli.

Suspected Lion Under Examination

According to Forest Department officials, the lion believed to have carried out the attack vomited during its medical examination. Officials said body parts were found in the vomit, strengthening the suspicion that the animal was involved in the attack. The two other captured lions are also undergoing examination.

Investigators have collected paw prints, drag marks and other evidence from the scene as part of the inquiry.

Pilgrimage Temporarily Suspended

Authorities suspended access to the Girnar Hill steps immediately after the incident to facilitate rescue and investigation efforts and to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Officials have not yet announced when the pilgrimage route will reopen.

About Girnar Hill

Located near Junagadh in Gujarat, Girnar Hill is one of western India's most prominent pilgrimage destinations.

The hill is home to ancient Jain and Hindu temples, including the Ambaji Temple and Dattatreya Temple, and attracts thousands of devotees each day. Pilgrims climb nearly 10,000 steps to reach the hilltop shrines. The incident has raised fresh concerns over human-wildlife interactions in areas where pilgrimage routes pass close to forest habitats.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 11, 2026 10:26 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).