Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan: Ranthambore Tiger Reserve has once again witnessed a controversial tiger-shifting operation. The Forest Department has shifted a sub-adult male tiger cub, responsible for killing an elderly watchman at the Jain temple located within Ranthambore Fort, to an enclosure in Karauli. The department confirmed this through a press release issued on Wednesday afternoon.
According to the Forest Department, the shifting was carried out under the guidance of Chief Wildlife Warden (CWLW) Shikha Mehra. The operation was supervised by Ranthambore’s Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Anoop KR. The tiger was tranquilised on Tuesday night and shifted to the Karauli enclosure by a special team in the early hours of Wednesday, around 3:30 AM.
The tiger was tranquilised on Tuesday evening, and the shifting process was completed late at night. A special team transported the tiger in three vehicles to the Karauli enclosure. Previously, a female sub-adult tiger named Anvi (also known as Kankati), involved in the deaths of a ranger and a 7-year-old child, was shifted to the Beed enclosure. Now, this male sub-adult has been moved to Karauli.
Forest Officials’ Conduct Under Scrutiny
The working style of Ranthambore’s forest officials has come under question once again. The tiger-shifting operation was marred by irregularities, with officials keeping the operation secretive. The nighttime operation was concealed until Wednesday afternoon.
Tiger Charged at Forest Team
According to sources, when the Forest Department team arrived around 3:30 AM to tranquillise the tiger, the male cub became aggressive, forcing the team to retreat temporarily. After about one to one-and-a-half hours of effort, the tiger was successfully tranquilised. Preparations for the shifting began immediately, and the tiger was relocated to Karauli by late night.
Three Tiger Attacks in Two Months
- April 21: Kankati Killed a 7-Year-Old Child
On April 21, tigress Kankati attacked and killed a 7-year-old child near the Trinetra Ganesh temple path. The child was returning with his grandmother after visiting the temple when the tiger emerged from the jungle, grabbed the child, and held him for a long time. This attack occurred in the Amrai forest area. - May 12: Ranger Killed Near Jogi Mahal
On May 12, a tiger attacked and killed a ranger tracking in Zone 3 near Jogi Mahal. The tiger attacked the ranger’s neck with its teeth and claws and sat on the body for 20 minutes. The ranger was tracking near a yagnashala at Jogi Mahal when the tiger struck near Chhoti Chhatri. - June 9: Watchman Killed at Jain Temple
On June 9, at around 4:30 AM, a tiger attacked and killed a watchman at the Jain temple in Ranthambore Fort. The watchman, Radheshyam Saini (60) from Sherpur, had been serving at the temple for 20 years. He was attacked while relieving himself. The tiger left canine marks on his neck and consumed part of his thigh below the waist.
Read Also: A Sensitive Issue in the Wild: What’s Really Behind the Disappearance of 25 Tigers from Ranthambore?
All Three Attacks Within a 2-Km Radius
The three tiger attacks in the last two months occurred within a 2-kilometre radius. The April 21 attack by Kankati on the child happened near Ranthambore Fort. The May 12 attack on the ranger near Jogi Mahal was just below the fort. The June 9 attack on the watchman took place inside the fort itself.
- Tiger Kills Watchman in Ranthambore: Consumes Thigh, Canine Marks Found on Neck, Clashes Between Villagers and Police
On June 9, a tiger killed a watchman at Ranthambore Fort. Identified as Radheshyam Saini (60) from Sherpur, he had been serving as a watchman at the Jain temple for 20 years. The attack occurred around 4:30 AM when he went to relieve himself. - Kirodi Lal Meena: Ranthambore Officials Are Drunk, Flout Rules
Agriculture Minister Kirodi Lal Meena stated that Ranthambore officials are often intoxicated and disregard rules, calling it unfortunate. Speaking to the media in Sawai Madhopur on June 10, he said he is personally reviewing the situation and will ensure justice. Meena was addressing protests over the watchman’s death caused by a tiger attack on June 9.
About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve
Ranthambore Tiger Reserve in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, is a large and well-known tiger reserve in India. It’s situated between the Aravali and Vindhya hills and includes Ranthambore National Park, Sawai Madhopur Sanctuary, and other areas. The reserve spans around 1,411 square kilometers and is known for its tiger population, estimated at at least 40. It’s a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts, with good chances of spotting tigers, especially in the winter months
