Junagadh, January 5: The carcass of a lion that died from electrocution was found from a cotton cultivation farm on Friday. A case has been registered against the farmer who had wired the area for drawing power illegally. The incident occurred at Charnyawadi area near Simar village which falls under Jashadhar forest range in Dhari division of Gir (east) forest. The accused farmer, who has been identified as Gabharu Solanki, is absconding.

According to official reports, local people informed the forest beat guard of Simar village about the carcass who immediately reached the spot and confirmed the incident. Later, when informed by beat guard, forest officials from Jashadhar range rushed to the spot and recover the carcass.

“The lion was about eight years old. Investigation revealed that the animal was electrocuted,” a forest official said.

Live electric wires were found from the place.

“Accused farmer had directly connected it with overhead electric lines so it’s a clear case of power theft too. To protect the cotton crop and to prevent animals from entering the agricultural land, the farmer had placed live wire fencing,” he added.

Deputy Conservator of Forest (Gir-east) S P Sisodiya said that post-mortem was conducted by panel doctor and it was confirmed that the animal was electrocuted which was the reason behind its death. He said a casewas registered against the accused, Gabharu Solanki, under the provision of Wild Life Protection Act 1972.