Rajkot: A lion tracker from Jafrabad, Amreli, who was allegedly beaten up by a forester two months ago when he objected visitors at lion rescue centre, was dismissed for indiscipline on Friday.Anwar Katiyar, who resumed office early this month, was handed his termination letter for alleged 'indiscipline and unsatisfactory work'. He has alleged that forest department's decision was gross injustice to him and arbitrary. Katiyar is now left with nothing as earlier, too, he was forced to do settlement with the forester and withdraw case against him.In October, Katiyar was allegedly beaten up by forester Savasi Sarla when he asked the latter not to bring visitors to the rescue centre for lions and other animals. Enraged, Sarla allegedly beat him up. Katiyar was immediately taken to hospital and doctors had to remove one of his testicles to save his life.At the time of attack, Katiyar alleged in his complaint that Sarla had a habit of bringing his guests to the rescue centre to show them lions, leopards and other animals. The guests would click pictures and take videos. Katiyar protested to this as it is illegal to bring outsiders at the centre, but Sarla paid no heed. On October 1, Sarla brought his guests, but Katiyar denied them entry to the centre. Incensed at Katiyar's denial, Sarla asked Katiyar to accompany him saying a senior officer had called them. He took Katiyar in his jeep to a secluded place, where he and his associates thrashed him."I was only trying to protect the wildlife at Jafrabad-Babarkot animal rescue centre. My concern was not to disturb the wildcats during their treatment," Katiyar said. He alleged that after resuming the duty early in December, he was asked to settle the case with Sarla, which he did. "After that they terminated my service without any intimation or notice," he alleged.Deputy conservator of forest, Amreli, Dr Sakkira Begam refused to comment on the issue, but said, "He (Katiyar) was served proper notice and due procedure was followed." However, she avoided comment on question if any disciplinary action was taken against forester Sarla.Chief conservator of forest (wildlife) Dr A P Singh told TOI, "Few trackers are involved in illegal activities. When foresters take action, they cry foul play."

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