A group of 20 tourists, including women and children, endured a terrifying 90-minute ordeal in Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park on Saturday evening when their safari vehicle broke down in Zone 6, a tiger-infested area home to tigers like Badal, Noor, and Laxmi. The accompanying guide, Mukesh Kumar Bairwa, allegedly left the group to fetch a replacement vehicle but failed to return promptly, leaving the tourists stranded in darkness amid a forest teeming with over 60 tigers, leopards, sloth bears, and crocodiles. Videos circulating on social media captured the chaos, showing children crying and using mobile flashlights while a woman confronted the driver, who remarked, “Guide to bhag gaya” (the guide has fled).  

The incident, which unfolded around 6:00 PM, came to light after tourists shared footage online, prompting swift action from park authorities. Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Pramod Dhakad announced that three canter drivers—Kanhaiya, Shehzad Choudhary, and Liaqat Ali—along with guide Bairwa, have been barred from entering the park pending a detailed inquiry led by Assistant Conservator of Forests Ashwini Pratap. “Tourist safety is our top priority,” said Field Director Anoop KR, assuring strict action against those responsible for the negligence.  

The breakdown exposed deeper issues with safari operations. Reports indicate a standby vehicle at a nearby forest chowki was absent, and a third vehicle failed to comply with rescue instructions. The Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, a premier wildlife destination in Sawai Madhopur, has faced scrutiny before, with a recent tiger attack in June 2025 claiming a caretaker’s life, marking the third such death in two months. Additionally, on August 15, 2025, 14 SUVs were seized for illegally entering restricted Zone 8, highlighting ongoing management challenges.  

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The forest department has also tightened vehicle regulations, rejecting proposals to extend the service life of safari vehicles from 10 to 15 years, opting instead for a one-year relaxation. With 556 vehicles registered for tourism, stakeholders argue that poorly maintained canters, like the one that broke down, pose significant risks. “Some vehicles are in a ramshackle state,” a local hotelier said, urging upgrades to newer, safer models.  

Ranthambore, which welcomed over 7 lakh tourists and generated ₹72 crore by May 2025, is a hotspot for tiger sightings, drawing global visitors. However, this incident, coupled with recent controversies, underscores the need for stricter oversight. The ongoing probe will determine accountability, but for now, the harrowing experience has left tourists shaken and raised questions about safety in one of India’s most iconic wildlife reserves.  

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