Amreli, April 27 – A truck driver has been arrested in Gujarat’s Amreli district for allegedly running over and killing a lioness, a forest official confirmed on Sunday. The incident occurred on April 24 near Devaliya village along the Amreli-Savarkundla highway.
Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Viralsinh Chavda stated that the accused, Rajesh Padariya, was driving at high speed when he fatally struck the lioness early Tuesday morning. As per agency report, three special teams were formed to apprehend the driver. Based on CCTV footage and intelligence inputs, Padariya was successfully tracked down and arrested.
Officials explained that the teams conducted thorough inspections of the surrounding areas and identified the vehicle involved using surveillance footage from petrol pumps and cameras installed near the accident site.
The driver has been charged under provisions of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022. Following the rejection of his bail application, the accused has been sent to jail.
