Lioness' carcass found, farmer held

29-11-2011
Lioness' carcass found, farmer held
Times of India
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/surat/Lioness-carcass-found-farmer-held/articleshow/10910104.cms

Carcass of a seven-year-old lioness was found from Jasadhar forest range area of east division of Gir wildlife sanctuary in Una taluka on Sunday, following which a farmer, suspected of electrocuting the big cat, was detained on Monday.

Forest officials detained farmer Jasabhai Baldana of Sanosari village from whose farm a live wire was found around the fencing. The farm is just five km from the range forest area. Sources in the forest department said that the lioness bore electrocution mark on her feet, and after the live wire was found from the field the farmer was detained on the ground of suspicion.

"We have detained the farmer for questioning as the death is suspected to have been caused by electrocution. However, post-mortem report is being awaited to ascertain the exact cause of death. We are also taking the help of forensic science experts in the investigation," said deputy conservator of forest (Gir east) Manishwer Raja.