Tragedy in Ranthambore: 7-Year-Old Boy Killed in Tiger Attack Near Trinetra Ganesh Temple
Forest Department Shuts Temple Access Following Fatal Incident
Sawai Madhopur, April 16, 2025 — A devastating incident unfolded in Rajasthan’s Ranthambore National Park as a tiger fatally attacked a seven-year-old boy near the famed Trinetra Ganesh Temple. The victim, Kartik Suman, was returning from the temple with his grandmother when the tiger emerged from the forest and dragged the child away in front of horrified onlookers.
According to forest officials, the attack occurred on a trail frequently used by pilgrims visiting the temple. Witnesses reported that the tiger held the child by the neck and remained near the spot for an extended period, preventing anyone from intervening.
Shocking Attack Sends Panic Through Devotees
The sudden attack sparked fear among visitors and locals. Eyewitness Ram Singh Gurjar, who was returning from the temple, said, “I saw a woman walking with her grandson. Suddenly, a tiger came out of the bushes and took the child in its jaws.” Despite immediate cries for help, efforts to rescue the boy were unsuccessful.
Forest department personnel responded swiftly, closing all access routes to the Trinetra Ganesh Temple and launching a search operation. After considerable effort, the tiger was driven away, and Kartik’s body was recovered and transported to the district hospital’s mortuary. Following a post-mortem examination, the body was handed over to the family.
Tiger T-120 Suspected in Fatal Encounter
Preliminary reports suggest that Tiger T-120, whose presence had been noted in the area for the past two days, may be responsible for the attack. Forest authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and monitoring tiger movements to confirm the identity of the animal involved.
Kartik, a resident of Gohata village under Deikhera police station in Bundi district, had come to visit the temple with his grandmother and uncle. His uncle, Deepak, recounted the terrifying moment when the tiger appeared from the forest and snatched the child amidst a crowd of returning devotees.
Compensation and Calls for Greater Safety Measures
In the wake of the tragedy, the Trinetra Ganesh Temple Trust has extended a financial aid of ₹1.5 lakh to the grieving family. The incident has reignited debates around the safety of temple visitors and the need for more stringent monitoring of tiger activity in tourist-accessible zones within Ranthambore.
Forest officials have promised a detailed investigation and potential revisions to existing access protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
