A 19-year-old caretaker lost his life after being attacked by a lioness at a private farmhouse in Lahore’s Kahna area, prompting police and Punjab Wildlife authorities to launch an investigation into the incident.
According to officials, the incident occurred on Wednesday when the lioness attacked the caretaker, identified as Talha, leaving him critically injured. He was immediately shifted to a private hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.
Punjab Wildlife authorities initiated legal proceedings after receiving information about the incident, while police took action against those responsible for the breeding facility.
Farmhouse owner and TikToker arrested
A spokesperson for DIG Operations Faisal Kamran confirmed that Kahna police arrested two individuals in connection with the incident.
The suspects were identified as farmhouse owner Fayyaz, also known as Faizi, and TikToker Nauman.
According to the spokesperson, Nauman had arrived at the farmhouse to record a TikTok video when the lioness went out of control and attacked Talha, a 19-year-old employee working at the facility.
The attack left the young caretaker with severe injuries, and despite receiving medical treatment at a private hospital, he could not survive.
Attempt made to conceal lioness attack
Police officials revealed that an attempt was allegedly made to conceal the actual circumstances of the incident by presenting the lioness attack as a dog attack.
However, investigators became suspicious of the circumstances surrounding Talha’s injuries and conducted further inquiries.
The investigation subsequently revealed that the young caretaker had been attacked by a lioness rather than a dog.
The deceased’s body was transferred to the morgue for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Lioness taken into wildlife department’s custody
Following the incident, the attacking lioness was removed from the farmhouse and handed over to Punjab Wildlife authorities.
Officials said investigations were underway to determine whether the farmhouse owners possessed the necessary permits to keep the lioness and whether appropriate safety measures had been implemented.
Authorities are also examining possible negligence, violations of wildlife regulations and the circumstances that allowed the animal to attack the caretaker.
Police have initiated legal proceedings against the individuals involved, while further investigations are continuing.
DIG operations warns against risking lives for TikTok videos
DIG Operations Faisal Kamran expressed serious concern over the incident, stressing that social media entertainment must never come at the expense of human life.
He said the desire to create TikTok content could not be considered more important than someone’s safety.
The senior police official further stated that investigators would examine all aspects of the incident, including alleged negligence and attempts to conceal the actual cause of the caretaker’s death.
He emphasised that no individual would be allowed to endanger human lives in the name of entertainment or personal interests.
Police and wildlife authorities are continuing their investigations into the farmhouse’s operations, animal ownership permits and safety arrangements.
