11-Year-Old Boy Mauled to Death by Lion While Climbing Girnar Hill in Gujarat

A pilgrimage to the revered Girnar Hill in Gujarat's Junagadh district ended in tragedy on Saturday when an 11-year-old boy was mauled to death by a lion in the early hours of the morning, officials said.

The victim, identified as Mayur Chauhan , was climbing the hill with his family between 5 am and 6 am when the attack occurred near a stairway leading to the shrines situated atop the hill. According to district authorities, the lion suddenly attacked the child and dragged him away before people nearby could intervene. His remains were later recovered and handed over to the family.

Junagadh Collector Yogesh Chaudhary said eyewitnesses reported seeing three lions in the area around the time of the incident. Forest department personnel launched an immediate operation following the attack and successfully captured one of the animals. Efforts are continuing to trace the other two lions that were reportedly seen near the stairway.

As a precautionary measure, officials have temporarily closed the section of the stairway where the attack took place. Pilgrims visiting the sacred hill are being diverted through the older route until the area is declared safe.

Girnar Hill, one of Gujarat's most important pilgrimage destinations, attracts thousands of devotees and trekkers throughout the year. The incident has raised concerns about human-wildlife encounters in regions located close to lion habitats, even as forest authorities continue their search and strengthen safety arrangements in the area.