20 tourists stranded in Ranthambore safari as guide leaves them midway

Twenty tourists were stranded inside the Ranthambore National Park after their safari vehicle broke down mid-route and the accompanying guide left them to fetch another vehicle, officials said.

The incident took place on Saturday evening in Zone 6 of the park and the matter came to light after purported videos of the incident surfaced, prompting the park administration to take action.

The vehicle broke down after which the guide left them to bring a replacement. With darkness falling, heated exchanges broke out between tourists and the guide, parts of which were recorded.

The tourists were escorted out of the park after remaining stranded for an hour.

Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Pramod Dhakad told PTI on Sunday that three canter drivers and the guide have been barred from entering the park till the probe is completed.

He said Assistant Conservator of Forests Ashwini Pratap has been asked to conduct an inquiry.

"Those restricted are canter drivers Kanhaiya, Shehzad Choudhary and Liaqat Ali, along with guide Mukesh Bairwa," Dhakad said.