Tourists Stranded in Ranthambore After Safari Vehicle Breaks Down; Guide Suspended

 Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park faced controversy on Saturday evening after a safari vehicle broke down, leaving 20 tourists—including children—stranded in the forest for over an hour.

According to reports, the incident occurred around 6 p.m. when a safari canter malfunctioned in Zone 6 of the park. Tourists alleged that the guide, identified as Mukesh Kumar Bairwa, abandoned them mid-route, claiming he would fetch another vehicle, but never returned. They further accused him of misbehaving before leaving the group unattended until around 7:30 p.m., when they were eventually rescued.

The episode came to light after a video surfaced on social media, showing distressed tourists stranded in the forest. The footage prompted the park administration to initiate a probe. “Three canter drivers—Kanhaiya, Shehzad Choudhary, and Liaqat Ali—along with the guide have been barred from entering the park pending investigation,” Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Pramod Dhakad told PTI. Assistant Conservator of Forests Ashwini Pratap has been tasked with conducting a detailed inquiry.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve’s Field Director and Chief Conservator, Anoop K.R., emphasized that tourist safety remains the park’s foremost priority. He assured that strict action would follow against any guide or driver found guilty of negligence or misconduct.

Ranthambore National Park, located in Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur district, is among northern India’s largest wildlife reserves and renowned for its population of Royal Bengal Tigers. Safari operations, including 20-seater open-bus canters, offer visitors a chance to explore its diverse wildlife—but Saturday’s incident has raised questions about safety and accountability in the park’s tourism management.