A tiger kills a 19-year-old farm worker during a TikTok shoot in Lahore, Pakistan, prompting police to arrest a social media influencer and farm owner

A 19-year-old farm worker, identified as Talha, has died after being mauled by a lioness during a TikTok video shoot at a private wildlife breeding farmhouse in Kahna, Lahore, Pakistan, with police arresting the farm owner and a social media content creator over the incident.

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The attack reportedly occurred on Wednesday when TikToker Nauman visited the farmhouse to record a video. Police said the animal was taken out of its enclosure before it attacked Talha, who worked at the facility.

The teenager sustained critical injuries and was rushed to a private hospital, where he later died.

Police arrested the farmhouse owner, identified as Fayyaz, and the TikToker in connection with the incident. The animal was subsequently taken into the custody of the Punjab Wildlife Department.

According to police accounts, Talha’s father and brother, who also worked at the farmhouse, witnessed the attack.

Investigators are also examining an alleged attempt to conceal the circumstances surrounding the teenager’s death. Police said the incident was initially presented as a dog attack, but subsequent inquiries established that a lioness was responsible.

The authorities have launched investigations into whether the farmhouse had the necessary permits to keep the animal and whether adequate safety measures were in place during the filming.

The Express Tribune reported that police registered a case under provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code and Punjab wildlife legislation, while the animal was transferred to wildlife officials for further action.

Reacting to the incident, Lahore police warned against putting human lives at risk in the pursuit of social media attention.

“A passion for TikTok cannot be more important than a human life,” the police said, adding that alleged negligence and attempts to conceal the facts would be investigated.

The incident has renewed concerns about the safety risks associated with keeping dangerous wild animals at private facilities and using them in social media content.

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The investigation is expected to establish whether the suspects breached wildlife regulations or failed to provide adequate protection for workers and visitors at the farmhouse.