Bhavnagar: The State Forest Department has arrested a man after a video showing him dangerously close to a lion went viral on social media, sparking widespread outrage.

The mobile footage, shot in Bhavnagar district, shows Gautam Ghelabhai Shiyal, approximately 32 years old, walking alarmingly close to a lion as it fed on its kill. Despite the animal’s visible distress, Gautam continued filming. The lion stood up and growled, even making a brief move in his direction. Voices—likely from nearby villagers—can be heard in the background trying to distract the big cat.

The incident occurred in the buffer zone between Bambhor and Talli villages in the Talaja region. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, the reckless behaviour has drawn sharp criticism for endangering both human and wildlife safety.

Following the video’s circulation, the Forest Department swiftly launched an investigation, located the spot, and detained Gautam. Officials confirmed that the video was filmed on July 31, 2025. Acting on human intelligence and geo-location data, the department traced and arrested Gautam Shiyal from Talli village. The area falls under the Talaja Wildlife Range, part of the Shetrunji Wildlife Division.

Legal proceedings have been initiated against him under multiple sections of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972—including Sections 2(1), 2(14), 2(16), 2(36), 9, 39, 50, 51, and 52. When produced before the Talaja court, his bail application was rejected, and he was remanded to district jail. DeshGujarat