Fourteen SUVs from five states were seized inside Zone 8 of Ranthambore National Park in Rajasthan's Sawai Madhopur for illegal entry. The vehicles, including at least 12 Mahindra Thar and two Scorpio SUVs, were on an off-roading trip led by Adventure Tours on August 15. This area is typically off-limits to the public, especially during the monsoon season when safaris are suspended, a national news organisation reported.
The vehicles originated from Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan, according to forest department officers. The incident prompted immediate action from the forest department after visuals of the SUVs went viral on social media. It is suspected that some forest rangers may have allowed these private vehicles into the restricted zone.
"It is a matter of illegal entry. We have seized the vehicles. We are further investigating the matter," said divisional forest officer Ramamnand Bhakkar.
Further investigation revealed that the wildlife park, closed during the monsoon season, was surprisingly breached by these private vehicles. A local captured a video showing the visitors walking around in Zone 8, with one vehicle appearing to be stuck. This video further exposed the illegal incursion.
Off-roader and rally driver Rattan Dhillon also shared visuals of the incident on X, adding to the growing evidence and public scrutiny regarding the illegal entry. As the investigation continues, the authorities are working to understand the full extent of the breach and any potential complicity by forest rangers.
Source: NDTV
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