Reckless Encounter! Man Touching Tiger Cubs Sparks Outrage at Ranthambore
Man’s Reckless Encounter with Tiger Cubs Sparks Outrage at Ranthambore National Park
A shocking video of a man entering a concrete pipe to touch and film tiger cubs at Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan has triggered widespread concern and prompted authorities to file a First Information Report (FIR) under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
The incident, which occurred near Devpura Dam in the Phalodi Range, has exposed serious lapses in the park’s security and wildlife monitoring.
The undated footage shows the man, whose identity remains unconfirmed, dangerously close to three newborn cubs of tigress T-2302, who had been sheltering them inside a large water pipe.
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According to forest officials, the man not only recorded the cubs but also petted them, violating critical wildlife protection protocols. The FIR cites violations of Sections 27 (restricting entry into sanctuaries), 50 (powers of entry, search, and arrest), and 51 (penalties) of the Wildlife Protection Act.
Ranthambore Divisional Forest Officer Ramanand Bhakar said an investigation is underway to identify the individual and determine how he accessed this sensitive zone. “This is a serious breach, and we are taking all necessary steps to address it,” Bhakar stated.
Wildlife conservationists have slammed the incident as a glaring failure of park management. “How could someone enter a critical tiger habitat undetected? If the forest department knew about the cubs, why wasn’t surveillance strengthened with camera traps or patrols?” questioned a conservationist.
They urged the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) to enforce stricter guidelines to prevent such incidents.
Ranthambore, a key reserve under India’s Project Tiger initiative, is home to approximately 80 tigers and is renowned for its conservation efforts.
However, the park has faced mounting criticism recently due to repeated security and monitoring failures. In the past month alone, a forest ranger and a seven-year-old child lost their lives in separate incidents, and reports of tigers charging at intruders have raised alarms about man-animal conflicts.
The video, which surfaced on Thursday, has intensified scrutiny of the park’s ability to protect its tiger population. Forest sources revealed that tigress T-2302 had been spotted with her cubs in the pipe, yet the villager managed to approach them undetected.
“This is not just reckless behavior; it’s a symptom of deeper systemic issues,” said a source familiar with the incident.
As authorities work to identify the individual and strengthen park security, conservationists are calling for urgent reforms to ensure the safety of Ranthambore’s tigers and prevent further breaches in one of India’s most iconic wildlife reserves.
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