Junagadh, Jul 8 (IANS): A 15-year-old boy was seriously injured after he was attacked by a lion at the Gir sanctuary in Gujarat's Junagadh district.

Vikram Chavda, the victim, was escorting his livestock towards a water source in Bagoya village, which is part of the Rajapra forest round in Visavadar taluka, when he was attacked by a lion. The incident took place on Friday. The boy is still recovering at the hospital.

Deputy Conservator of Forest, Gir (West), Prashant Tomar, said that Vikram and other cattle herders inadvertently disturbed a lion and lioness during their mating act. This provoked the lion to attack the boy from behind.

The lion fled when the other cattle herders raised an alarm. The commotion drew the attention of forest personnel, who were prompt to arrive at the scene. The injured teenager was immediately transported to the health centre in Visavadar for emergency treatment.

The boy sustained injuries on his hip and back that required eight stitches. After preliminary treatment, Chavda was referred to the Junagadh civic hospital for further medical attention.