An Asiatic lion cub was found dead in Gujarat's Junagadh district with signs of physical trauma.
The forest department suspects human involvement and has launched a manhunt for an absconding local resident.
A panel of three veterinarians is performing a post-mortem at Sakkarbaug Zoological Garden to determine the cause of death.
The Gir forest remains the last natural habitat for the endangered Asiatic lion, making its protection a high priority.