A forest department tracker lost his life in a tragic accident during an operation to rescue a lioness in Gujarat's Junagadh district. The incident occurred on Sunday evening when a tranquillising dart, intended for the big cat, misfired and struck the tracker.
The Fatal Operation in Visavadar
The rescue mission was launched near Nani Monpari village in Visavadar after a lioness killed a minor boy. A team comprising forest officials and wildlife veterinary doctors was dispatched to the location. Among the team members was the tracker, Ashraf Ali Chauhan, who was in his late twenties and employed under the state government's outsourcing policy.
According to Ram Ratan Nala, the Conservator of Forests (Junagadh Range), the veterinary doctors attempted to sedate the lioness, which was sitting in a field. "Unfortunately, the dart missed the lioness and hit Chauhan on his left hand. Chauhan was standing in the opposite direction," Nala explained.
Rushed Treatment and Unfortunate Demise
Chauhan was immediately provided medical attention. He was first taken to a hospital in Visavadar and then referred to the Junagadh Civil Hospital for advanced care. Despite efforts by doctors throughout the night, Chauhan succumbed to his injuries on Monday morning, January 5, 2026.
The forest official confirmed that Chauhan is survived by his wife, a daughter, and his parents. Nala stated that all trackers are insured for Rs 10 lakh, and the necessary formalities to release the insurance amount to his family have been initiated at the earliest.
Aftermath and Conclusion
Meanwhile, the forest department successfully rescued the lioness involved in the incident. This tragic event highlights the inherent risks faced by frontline forest staff during wildlife management operations. The accident underscores the dangerous conditions under which these personnel work to mitigate human-animal conflict, especially in regions like Gujarat that are home to Asiatic lions.
The death of Ashraf Ali Chauhan has cast a pall over the forest department, bringing into focus the perils of conservation work on the ground.
