Man Arrested in Lahore After Viral Video Shows Lion Being Skinned

Wildlife Lahore Rangers arrested a man in Lahore’s Begum Kot area after a video showing a dead lion being skinned went viral on social media.

The team raided a house in the area and recovered a large number of preserved dead wild animals from the property.

Deputy Chief Wildlife Ranger Lahore Region Sakhi Muhammad Joeya said the arrested suspect and his accomplices allegedly removed the hides of wild animals, preserved the bodies and later sold them.

Joeya added that three to four families were allegedly involved in the illegal activity.

However, officials could not recover the remains of the lion whose hide had been removed.

According to the wildlife official, the recovered preserved animals included lions, tigers, crocodiles, monkeys, parrots, pigeons, rabbits and other species.

The Punjab Wildlife Department had earlier launched an investigation after the video of the dead lion being skinned spread online.

Officials said the department formed a special team to investigate the case and identify the people involved.

Chief Wildlife Ranger Lahore Sakhi Muhammad Joeya is leading the inquiry.

The department said legal action would be taken under relevant wildlife protection laws.

A spokesperson said strict action would be taken according to the law and those involved would be brought to justice.