"Constitute High-Power Committee to Probe Missing Tigers Crisis in Ranthambore," Activists Urge PM

Sawai Madhopur- Alarmed by the disappearance of 16 tigers from Ranthambore National Park, wildlife activists and civil society groups have formally appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to immediately constitute a high-power investigation committee. The demand comes amid growing evidence of systemic failures, alleged corruption in forest department operations, and complete administrative apathy toward India's flagship conservation program.

In a strongly-worded memorandum submitted today, the 'Bhupremi Parivar' organization highlighted how Ranthambore - once celebrated as a tiger conservation success story - has become a case study in governance failure.  The social organization  has submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister of Rajasthan, and the Forest Minister, demanding an immediate high-level investigation and urgent reforms in wildlife management.

Ranthambore Tiger Reserve, one of India’s most iconic wildlife sanctuaries, has been under scrutiny after reports confirmed that 16 tigers, including tigresses, have gone missing over the past year. Among the missing are T-90, T-92, T-70, T-71, T-76, and the famed Bhairupura tiger—an alarming indicator of systemic failures in conservation efforts. Activists allege that forest officials neglected their duties, focusing more on VIP tourism and corrupt practices rather than safeguarding the tigers.

Key Allegations

Failed Monitoring Systems: Despite crores of rupees allocated for tiger conservation, advanced surveillance tools like drones, satellite tracking, and camera traps were either underutilized or poorly maintained.

Corruption & Fund Mismanagement: Officials allegedly siphoned off funds meant for tiger protection, while turning a blind eye to illegal mining, encroachments, and unauthorized construction near the reserve.

No Accountability: Even after tiger deaths were reported, no strict action was taken against negligent officials, emboldening further lapses.

Tourism Over Safety: Unregulated tourist movement, especially near Ranthambore Fort and Trinetra Ganesh Temple, disrupted tiger habitats. A recent incident where a 7-year-old boy was killed by a tiger highlighted the lack of safety measures.

The Bhupremi Parivar has outlined critical demands, including:

• A CBI or high-level independent probe into the disappearances and corruption.

• Suspension and legal action against guilty forest officials under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

• Modern surveillance systems (drones, GPS tracking) for real-time tiger monitoring.

• Financial audit of conservation funds to check embezzlement.

• Involving local communities in protection efforts by providing jobs and training.

• Transparency in investigation findings and regular public updates.

• Ban on illegal activities like mining, construction, and extortion near the reserve.

• Improved safety measures on roads leading to Ranthambore Fort and temple.

• Strict regulations on tourist vehicles and safaris to minimize disturbance.

• Implementation of NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority) guidelines without compromise.

Mukesh Bhupremi, the organization’s spokesperson, stated, "Tigers are India’s national heritage, but the apathy of officials is pushing Ranthambore’s tigers toward extinction. We urge the PM to intervene before it’s too late."

He further said, "This cannot be another internal departmental inquiry where officials investigate their own failures. We need answers about whether these tigers were poached, died due to negligence, or were victims of habitat destruction - and who should be held accountable."