Ranthambore safari turns nightmare: Guide abandons tourists with women and kids in jungle full of tigers, video goes viral

In an incident that drew comparisons to the Bollywood film Kaal, a group of tourists was left stranded for over 90 minutes in Rajasthan's Ranthambore National Park after the safari canter they were travelling in broke down in zone 6 of the reserve.

In the film, Ajay Devgn’s character, Kaali Pratap Singh, is a forest guide who initially appears to assist a group of tourists but is later revealed to be a supernatural entity who misleads and punishes those who disrupt the jungle’s balance. While the real incident involved no such elements, it similarly saw a guide allegedly abandon tourists in a forest known for its dense tiger population.

According to PTI, the incident took place on Saturday evening and involved 20 tourists. The vehicle broke down mid-route, and the accompanying guide left the group behind, saying he would fetch a replacement vehicle. As night fell, tensions escalated, and heated exchanges reportedly occurred between the tourists and the guide, parts of which were captured in videos that later surfaced online. The tourists, which included women and children, were eventually rescued after more than an hour, around 7:30 PM.

According to the group, the guide misbehaved with them before leaving the site, claiming he would return with another vehicle. He did not return.

NDTV reported that videos shared by the group showed children sitting in the dark, illuminated only by phone flashlights, visibly distressed and frightened. The group had been left in zone 6 of the park, which is home to a significant tiger population.

Following the incident, Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Pramod Dhakad told PTI that action had been taken against the involved personnel. Three canter drivers—identified as Kanhaiya, Shehzad Choudhary, and Liaqat Ali—along with the guide, Mukesh Kumar Bairwa, have been barred from entering the park until the inquiry is completed. Assistant Conservator of Forests Ashwini Pratap has been assigned to conduct a detailed investigation.

Ranthambore National Park, spread across 1,411 sq. km, is one of 54 designated tiger reserves in India. According to the park’s official website, it is home to a range of wildlife including leopards, sloth bears, and marsh crocodiles. As per an update by the park authorities in late 2023, the tiger population in Ranthambore has increased to approximately 88.

Field Director and Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Anoop K.R. told NDTV that the safety of tourists remains the top priority. He added that strict action would be taken against any guide or driver found violating operational protocols and that such negligence would not be tolerated.