Tiger ST 2303 Escapes Sariska Reserve, Injures Five in Rajasthan

In a shocking incident, a tiger identified as ST 2303 from Rajasthan’s Sariska Tiger Reserve escaped its enclosure and attacked five individuals in Alwar district, causing panic in nearby villages. The first victim, Vikas Kumar, a railway employee, was mauled at Ajarka railway station early in the morning. He sustained serious injuries, including the loss of one hand. The tiger fled when a motorbike approached the scene.

Later that day, around 11 a.m., the tiger attacked three more people—Satish (45), Binu (30), and Mahendra (33)—near Darbarpur village. All victims were immediately rushed to Alwar District Hospital for treatment. Additionally, the tiger had attacked another person earlier in the morning, bringing the total number of injured to five.

This incident has caused significant alarm in nearby villages, where schools have been closed, and locals are being urged to stay indoors for their safety. The tiger had a history of escaping the reserve. Just months ago, it was spotted in Haryana’s Rewari district, where it had attacked forest workers. Earlier this year, it attacked a 75-year-old farmer near Bhiwadi.

This isn’t the first time ST 2303 has escaped. The same tiger was previously spotted in Haryana’s Rewari district, nearly 100 kilometers away, where it attacked forest workers. In January 2024, it attacked a 75-year-old farmer in the Khairthal-Tijara region. The latest incident has caused widespread fear, with local authorities urging villagers to remain indoors. Schools in the area have been closed as a precaution.

Efforts to track and tranquilize the tiger are underway, as wildlife officials aim to return it safely to the reserve. The incident raises concerns about the safety measures within India’s tiger reserves and the growing conflict between wildlife and human settlements.