Lion strays onto Shetrunjay Hill, snatches pilgrim's bag before it is recovered

Panic gripped pilgrims visiting the sacred Shetrunjay Hill in Palitana of Gujarat's Bhavnagar district after a lion was spotted on the pilgrimage route, forest officials said.

According to officials, devotees were proceeding towards the hilltop shrine when they noticed the lion in close proximity and rushed to safety. Some pilgrims reportedly discontinued their journey midway due to safety concerns.

During the commotion, a pilgrim allegedly left behind a bag containing valuables while fleeing from the area. The lion picked up the bag in its mouth and moved towards the nearby forest, officials said.

The pilgrim subsequently informed the forest department about the incident.

Taking note of the matter, a team of forest officials and trackers launched a search operation in the forest area in the direction in which the lion had moved.

After an extensive search, the bag was recovered from the forest. Officials said the bag had not been damaged and all the valuables inside were found intact.

The recovered bag was later handed over to its owner after completion of the necessary formalities.

Following the incident, the forest department has stepped up patrolling and wildlife monitoring in the Shetrunjay Hill area to ensure the safety of pilgrims and visitors, officials said.