Man Jailed After Harassing Lion in Viral Bhavnagar Video

Bhavnagar, Gujarat — An attempt of a man to shoot a video of the lion feeding on a carcass at Bambhor-Talli village in Bhavnagar district has landed him in jail. The video, which went viral on the social media platforms in Saurashtra, shows a man attempting to film a lion feeding on a carcass from a very close distance. The lion stands up and moves closer to the man, but the man still continues to film. What followed next has led to a stern action from the forest department–and jail time for the accused.

“We acted immediately upon seeing the video. Wildlife is not entertainment,” said Forest Officer R.I. Jinjuwadia, confirming that legal action was taken under multiple sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The video, which went viral on social media on July 31, shows the man—identified as Gautam Ghelabhai Shiyal, 32, of Talli village—approaching the lion within dangerously close proximity. The lion, visibly agitated, is seen reacting aggressively to the intrusion. Gautam, shockingly, continues filming, with voices of others egging him on in the background.

The lion was reportedly feeding on a poisoned animal when the incident occurred, raising additional concerns about illegal baiting or poisoning in the region. The area falls under the Talaja Wildlife Range within the Shetrunji Wildlife Division—a known habitat for Asiatic lions in Saurashtra.

“Not only did he risk his life, but he also endangered the lion’s wellbeing. Such behavior is not just irresponsible—it’s criminal,” Officer Jinjuwadia added during a telephonic briefing.

Following a prompt investigation aided by local intelligence, Forest Department officials traced the location and arrested Gautam Shiyal. He has been charged under sections 2(1), 2(14), 2(16), 2(36), 9, 39, 50, 51, and 52 of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

In a rare show of strong judicial action, the Talaja Namdar Court rejected the accused’s bail plea and ordered him to be remanded to district jail custody.

Wildlife experts and conservationists have welcomed the swift response.

“This sends a clear message—our wildlife is not to be toyed with. Harassment of endangered species is a serious crime,” said a senior official from the Gujarat Forest Department, speaking on condition of anonymity.