In a major crackdown on illegal entry of private vehicles into Ranthambore National Park tiger reserve, the forest department in Rajasthan’s Sawai Madhopur seized 19 vehicles, of which 14 were from Zone 8 of Ranthambore National Park and five from nearby hotels, officials said.The seized vehicles have number plates of Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
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Divisional Forest Officer Ramanand Bhakar said, “At least 12 to 15 vehicles entered the Ranthambore National Park on the evening of August 15 even though the tiger reserve is closed during monsoon. We are still investigating how the tourists managed to sneak in despite tight security.”
According to forest officials, on the evening of August 15, despite jungle safaris being closed during the monsoon season, over a dozen luxury vehicles entered the Ranthambore National Park for adventure tours.
Only authorised vehicles like gypsies and canters are allowed for jungle safaris, but the seized cars, which include variants of Mahindra Scorpio, Thar and XUV500, entered the restricted area. A viral video also shows people walking inside the tiger reserve, where movement of tigers has been reported.
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After the video went viral on social media, forest officials searched for vehicles between Zone 6 and Zone 10, where private vehicles are not allowed. They found more than a dozen cars in Zone 8.
Officials said it was extremely unusual for vehicles to enter the forest area given the park’s surveillance and anti-poaching systems. Investigations are ongoing.
