Kahna Lioness attack claims life of 19-year-old caretaker; farm owner and TikToker arrested

A 19-year-old caretaker lost his life after being attacked by a lioness at a privately operated breeding farmhouse in Kahna,

LAHORE: A 19-year-old caretaker lost his life after being attacked by a lioness at a privately operated breeding farmhouse in Kahna, on the outskirts of Lahore. Police have arrested the farmhouse owner and a TikToker in connection with the incident, while the attacking animal has been taken into custody by the Punjab Wildlife Department.

The deceased was identified as Talha, who worked as a caretaker at the farmhouse. According to initial police investigations, the incident occurred when a TikToker, identified as Noman, visited the premises to record a video featuring the big cat.

During the recording, the lioness reportedly became uncontrollable and attacked Talha. The young caretaker suffered severe injuries to his neck, face and arms. Farm employees immediately rushed him to a private hospital in critical condition. Despite doctors’ efforts to save his life through emergency treatment, he succumbed to his injuries due to extensive wounds and excessive blood loss.

**Suspected Attempt to Conceal the Incident

Police sources revealed that an attempt was allegedly made to conceal the actual circumstances of the incident by presenting the injuries as the result of a dog attack. However, after receiving information about the suspicious death, Kahna Police examined the victim’s injuries and the crime scene, which led investigators to establish that a lioness was involved.

Arrests and Legal Proceedings

Following the discovery, police arrested two individuals: farmhouse owner Fayyaz alias Faizi and TikToker Noman. A case has been registered under relevant legal provisions relating to negligence, unlawful possession of a wild animal and concealment of facts.

Investigators are also examining the possible involvement of other farmhouse employees who were present when the attack occurred. Police are looking into the circumstances that allowed the lioness to attack the caretaker and whether appropriate safety arrangements were in place.

Kahna Police Station House Officer (SHO) warned that keeping dangerous wild animals without valid licences and proper safety arrangements would not be tolerated. He said strict action would be taken against individuals operating unauthorised breeding facilities in private housing societies and farmhouse areas.

Wildlife Department Takes Lioness Into Custody

Meanwhile, a team from the Punjab Wildlife Department reached the farmhouse after receiving information about the incident and took possession of the lioness. The animal was subsequently transferred to a secure facility.

Wildlife officials are verifying the owner’s licensing status, enclosure conditions, prescribed safety standards and breeding records. They stated that keeping big cats without legal permission, approved enclosures and mandatory safety measures violates the Punjab Wildlife Act. Any violations could result in separate legal proceedings, and the animal may not be returned to its owner.

Family Demands Justice

Talha reportedly belonged to a financially struggling family and worked at the farmhouse to support his household. His relatives said they were initially informed that he had suffered injuries in a dog attack, only to discover later that a lioness had attacked him.

Doctors confirmed that the victim arrived at the hospital with deep wounds and severe bleeding. His body was handed over to the family after completion of medico-legal formalities. The family has demanded justice and strict punishment for those responsible.

Growing Concerns Over Private Big Cat Ownership

The incident has renewed concerns about keeping lions and other dangerous animals at private farmhouses for entertainment, social media videos and public events. Police and wildlife officials said a detailed report would be submitted to senior authorities to strengthen licensing requirements and monitoring of private big cat facilities across Lahore.