What should have been a memorable evening safari in Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park turned into a nightmare for a group of 20 tourists on Saturday. The visitors, which included children, were left stuck inside the jungle for over an hour after their safari vehicle broke down — and their guide failed to return with help. The Breakdown in Zone 6 The incident happened around 6 pm. In zone 6, part of the park known to Tiger Darshan. According to tourists, they cycled on a canter, which suddenly remained in the middle through the route. At first, the guide told them to stay put and said he would arrange another vehicle. But instead of returning quickly, he disappeared. “First he spoke rudely, then just walked away saying he’ll be back soon. But he never came,” a tourist recalled. As minutes turned into an hour, the group grew anxious. With daylight fading and children in the vehicle, panic began to set in. “Honestly, it was scary. The disappearance of daylight and the vehicle began to be put in nervousness, with children. “Honestly, it was scary. The kids were crying, and we kept wondering what might suddenly come out of the bushes,” another visitor said. A Video Raises Alarm His predecessor would not have noticed anyone's attention, but a video filmed by one of the tourists began to roam the web. It showed the prisoned group that with the evening of the evening there was helpless waiting. The clip quickly attracted the attention of officials in Ranthambor Park, who brought a rescue team to the place. By 19:30 tourists were finally brought back to safety. For many, the wait inside the jungle felt endless. Officials Step In Once the video went viral, the forest department wasted no time taking action. Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Pramod Dhakad confirmed that three canter drivers—Kanhaiya, Shehzad Choudhary, and Liaqat Ali along with the guide, Mukesh Kumar Bairwa, have been barred from park entry until the investigation is complete. The inquiry has been handed over to Assistant Conservator of Forests (ACF) Ashwini Pratap. Officials will examine why the guide abandoned the group and whether emergency rules were followed. Concerns Over Tourist Safety One of India's most popular tiger reserves attracts thousands of tourists each year. Jeep and Canter Ride are still the main draw, but the latest event has raised questions about security. Wildlife enthusiasts say that while breakdowns can happen anywhere, abandoning tourists in the middle of a tiger reserve is unacceptable. “If there’s a vehicle issue, staff must have a backup plan. Tourists can’t be left exposed like this,” said a local guide familiar with the park. Administration Promises Action Officials have assured that strict action will follow. “Tourists’ safety is our first priority. Negligence will not be tolerated,” DCF Dhakad said. For the tourists who went through the ordeal, however, the experience has left a bitter memory. What was meant to be an adventure turned into a tense, fearful wait in the heart of the forest a reminder that wildlife tourism must balance thrill with responsibility.
