What Happened When a Tiger Attacked a Crowd in Ranthambore?

Synopsis
A shocking incident occurred at Ranthambore National Park, where a tiger attacked two men as they were taking selfies near a water source. This alarming event raises questions about safety protocols in wildlife reserves.
Key Takeaways
- Tiger attacks can occur unexpectedly.
- Taking selfies near wildlife is dangerous.
- Forest officials are urging for stricter safety measures.
- Recent incidents indicate a troubling trend in the area.
- Awareness and caution are essential for the safety of both humans and animals.
Jaipur, June 13 (NationPress) - A dramatic incident unfolded as a tiger attacked and injured two individuals in the Phalodi Range of Ranthambore National Park on Friday. This occurred while a gathering assembled near the Kailashpuri pond anicut to observe and capture selfies with the majestic animal that was quenching its thirst.
The injured parties include an official from the Agriculture Department and a Home Guard jawan.
Reports indicate that Senior Agriculture Supervisor Sitaram Saini, hailing from Sawai Madhopur, was returning from inspecting a farm fence in Dumoda village. Upon spotting the crowd at the anicut, he stopped to take a look at the tiger, but the situation escalated when the tiger unexpectedly lunged at him, causing injury to his leg.
In a valiant effort to assist, Home Guard jawan Babulal, who was also in the crowd, intervened. Unfortunately, the tiger then redirected its aggression towards him, striking his face with its powerful paw.
Both of the injured individuals were swiftly transported to the district hospital following the arrival of a team from the Forest Department.
It is worth noting that there has been consistent tiger activity at the Kailashpuri Anicut in recent months. Despite numerous sightings and incidents of locals dangerously approaching the tiger for selfies and videos, the Forest Department had not implemented any preventive measures.
Eyewitnesses reported that even on the morning of the attack, a man was taking selfies with the tiger.
Phalodi ACF Yogesh Kumar mentioned that the specific identity of the involved tiger is still under investigation. However, tigresses T-8 and T-108 are known to frequent this region, and it's possible that one of them may have become aggressive due to human disturbance.
Forest officials reiterated their call for locals and tourists to maintain a safe distance from wildlife and adhere to all safety protocols within the reserve.
This incident follows a series of alarming events, including three fatal tiger attacks in the vicinity over the past two months.
In a tragic event earlier this week, a tiger fatally attacked a 60-year-old priest inside the historic Ranthambore Fort. The deceased, Radheshyam Saini, had been serving at the Jain temple within the fort for nearly two decades.
In another incident on May 12, a forest ranger met a fatal fate while patrolling near Jogi Mahal in Zone 3 of the Tiger Reserve. The tiger struck him near the Chhoti Chhatri area, targeting his neck and remaining on his body for about 20 minutes after the attack.
Earlier, on April 21, a 7-year-old boy was brutally attacked by tigress Kanakati near the Trinetra Ganesh temple. The child was returning home with his grandmother when the tigress emerged from the forest and snatched him away.