A 19-year-old farm worker in Lahore, Pakistan, has died after being mauled by a tigress during a TikTok video shoot, leading to two arrests. The incident occurred at a private farm in the town of Kahna, where the animal was reportedly let out of its cage for an influencer to film content.
Victim Identified and Arrests Made
The victim, identified as Talha, worked at the site and was rushed to hospital but died on Wednesday, according to reports. His body has been moved to a morgue for an autopsy.
Local police have arrested the owner of the farm, named as Fayyaz, as well as a TikTok star, Norman. The tigress was being held at a breeding site on the farm, and it is understood the animal came out of its cage for the social media video.
Police Investigation and Statement
The force alleges attempts were made to claim Talha was attacked by a dog. Police are now looking into whether the site had legitimate permits for keeping the tiger and whether safety arrangements were properly followed.
Lahore Police said: “A passion for TikTok cannot be more important than a human life. No one can be allowed to put human life at risk in the name of hobby or entertainment. The attempt to hide the facts and every aspect of negligence will be investigated.”
Official Confirmation and Next Steps
The force added on X: "Kahna police have arrested the farm owner and a TikToker in connection with the death of a 19-year-old young man in a tigress attack at a farmhouse. The tigress got out of control in the presence of the TikToker, who had come to the farmhouse to make a TikTok video, leaving a farm employee critically injured. He later died while receiving treatment."
"An attempt was made to pass off the tigress attack as a dog attack to conceal the truth. The attacking tigress has been handed over to wildlife authorities, while investigations continue into the tigress ownership permit, safety arrangements and possible negligence. A case has been registered over the incident."
