A tragic accident during a wildlife rescue operation has claimed the life of a young forest tracker in Gujarat's Junagadh district. Ashraf Ali Chauhan, in his late 20s, died after being accidentally struck by a tranquilising dart meant for a lioness on Sunday evening.
The Fatal Incident in Visavadar Village
The operation was launched in Nani Monpari village of Visavadar after a lioness had killed a minor boy. A team of forest officials and wildlife veterinary doctors arrived at the scene to capture and relocate the big cat, which was located in a Tuar field. Among the team members was tracker Ashraf Ali Chauhan.
As the wildlife veterinarian attempted to sedate the lioness with a dart gun, the shot missed its target. The dart struck Chauhan on his left hand. He was reportedly standing in the opposite direction when the unfortunate accident occurred.
Rush to Hospital and Fatal Overdose
Chauhan was immediately rushed to Visavadar Hospital for emergency care and later transferred to the Junagadh Civil Hospital. Despite medical efforts throughout the night, doctors could not save him. He ultimately succumbed to what officials described as an "overdose of the tranquilizing drug."
Explaining the severity, Conservator of Forests (Junagadh Range) Ram Ratan Nala stated that the drug's dosage was calibrated for an animal weighing 200-250 kg. "The intensity of the tranquilising drug was high in comparison to humans," Nala said, highlighting why the dose proved fatal for Chauhan.
Aftermath and Support for the Family
Ashraf Ali Chauhan, who worked as a tracker under the state government's outsourcing policy, is survived by his wife, a young daughter, and his parents. In the wake of the tragedy, officials confirmed that all trackers are insured for Rs 10 lakh.
Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia expressed grief over the incident and has instructed department officials to prepare a proposal to provide additional assistance to Chauhan's family from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund.
Meanwhile, the forest department successfully rescued the lioness involved in the operation. The incident has cast a spotlight on the risks faced by frontline forest staff during critical wildlife management exercises.
