Police arrested a farmhouse owner and a visiting content creator while investigators examine possible negligence and an alleged attempt to conceal the attack.
LAHORE, Pakistan — A 19-year-old farm worker died after being attacked by a lioness during a TikTok video shoot at a private farmhouse in Lahore, prompting police to arrest the property owner and a visiting content creator, authorities said.
The victim, identified by Pakistani news organizations as Talha, was working at the farmhouse in the Kahna area when the animal attacked him during a visit by TikTok creator Nauman. Talha was critically injured and taken to a private hospital, where he later died. Kahna police arrested Nauman and farmhouse owner Fayyaz in connection with the incident.
Local reports citing Lahore police described the animal as a lioness. People, citing a translated Lahore Police statement, referred to the animal as a tiger. Pakistani newspapers Dawn and The Express Tribune both reported that police identified it as a lioness. The Punjab Wildlife Department took custody of the animal after the attack.
Police said investigators were also examining an alleged effort to conceal what happened. Authorities said an initial account attempted to attribute Talha’s injuries to a dog attack, but the subsequent inquiry determined that he had been attacked by the big cat. Officials have not announced a final finding on who was responsible for the alleged attempt to misrepresent the incident.
A criminal case has been registered against the suspects. The Express Tribune reported that the case was filed under provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Punjab Wildlife law. The arrests and allegations do not establish guilt, and publicly available reports reviewed Friday did not describe a final court disposition.
Investigators are examining whether the farmhouse was legally authorized to keep the animal, whether required safety measures were in place and whether negligence contributed to Talha’s death. Authorities are also checking whether the lioness was properly registered and whether the facility complied with rules governing the possession and housing of dangerous wild animals.
Punjab has tightened restrictions on privately kept big cats in recent years following several incidents involving escaped animals. Provincial measures include licensing and registration requirements, enclosure standards and restrictions on keeping big cats in residential areas. The rules also limit the public display of such animals and require qualifying facilities to meet prescribed conditions.
The Express Tribune reported that the province moved to strengthen its rules after earlier cases involving privately kept lions, including an incident in Lahore in which an escaped animal attacked a woman and two children. Wildlife officials have conducted inspections and seized animals as part of efforts to enforce the regulations.
Police said the investigation into Talha’s death will examine the circumstances surrounding the video shoot, the safety arrangements at the farmhouse and any possible negligence. Investigators are also reviewing the alleged attempt to conceal the true cause of his injuries. The lioness remained in wildlife authorities’ custody as the inquiry continued.