Indian sanctuary "arrests" 18 lions after 3 human deaths, culprit will get life sentence

Indian forest officials have "arrested" 18 lions from the Gir sanctuary in the western state of Gujarat, in a bid to find the animal responsible for three recent human deaths. 

The 18 lions were caged over the last two months, and are being kept in separate cage. Officials will try to track the guilty tiger by comparing the lions' footprints and excrement, and observing their behaviour. The culprit will be caged in a zoo for the rest of its life, while the remaining lions will be released in the sanctuary.

"We think we have pinpointed the guilty lion, but we are still awaiting the results of nine more animals," an official said.

The lion amed Ambar leaves his cage for a stroll in the open enclosure at the Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Amar is one of the 17 lions caged from the Gir sanctuary. Credit: SAM PANTHAKY/AFP/Getty Images

There have been as many as six incidents of lions killing human beings this year. The lions were caged after the death of three men in the eastern part of the sanctuary between March and May. 

Wildlife experts argue that the spike in the number of human deaths is due to the sanctuary's inability to accommodate its growing lion population, which currently numbers 523. The Gir National Park can only house 270 lions, leading several animals to roam outside its boundaries.

Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.