11-year-old boy killed in lion attack during family pilgrimage in India

An 11-year-old boy was killed after being attacked by a lion while climbing the Girnar Hills with his family in India's Gujarat state, Indian media reported.

The incident occurred near the 50th step of the Girnar hill route, where the child was accompanying family members on the climb when a lion suddenly emerged and attacked him.

According to media reports, the lion dragged the boy into a nearby forest in front of hundreds of pilgrims, triggering panic among those present.

Police said a large-scale search and rescue operation was launched immediately after the incident.

During the search, parts of the child's body were recovered about 100 metres from the attack site and were sent for forensic examination.

Authorities captured the lion suspected of attacking within four hours of the incident.

As a precaution, two other lions spotted in the area were also captured and shifted to Sakkarbaug Zoo for medical examination.

Forest Department officials said the suspected lion vomited during the veterinary examination, and human body remains were reportedly found in the vomit.

Investigators also collected paw prints, drag marks, and other evidence from the scene as part of the ongoing investigation.