Sawai Madhopur: This group of tourists had certainly hoped to sight a tiger or two during their safari at the Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan, but they were not prepared for what followed.
Their tour guide left them stranded inside the forest for nearly 90 minutes after dark. This happened after the open-top canter they were in broke down. The tour guide said that he would return with another vehicle but did not do so as he had a spat with some of the tourists.
An inquiry has been ordered.
The incident occurred in Zone 6 of the reserve around 6 pm on Saturday, August 16, when the canter carrying the group – including women and children – developed a technical fault and came to a halt deep inside the forest.
Tourists alleged that the accompanying guide left the vehicle claiming he would fetch another, but after misbehaving with the group, he did not return.
Videos recorded by the stranded visitors showed children sitting in darkness with mobile torches, visibly distressed and crying. The group remained in the forest until about 7.30 pm, in an area known to be home to more than 60 tigers along with leopards, sloth bears and marsh crocodiles.
The tourists were eventually rescued and brought out of the reserve. Field Director and Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Anoop K R acknowledged the incident and assured that accountability would be fixed.
“The safety of tourists in the park is the top priority. Strict action will be taken against any guide or driver who violates the rules, and such negligence will not be tolerated in future,” Anoop was quoted by NDTV as saying.
Officials said that the conduct of guides and drivers will be closely monitored to ensure visitor safety in the tiger reserve.
Two humans – including a child – have been killed by tigers in the Ranthambore National Park this year.