The Kankati Case: What Happened at Ranthambore and What Visitors Should Know

Editor's note: this is a sensitive story involving the deaths of a child and a forest ranger. Keep the tone respectful, avoid sensational language and do not name the child.

A Difficult Chapter

Ranthambore is known for tiger recovery and tourism, but it has also faced hard moments. One of the most serious was the case of a young tigress known as Kankati, who was suspected in two fatal attacks inside the reserve. This article explains what happened, why it happened according to experts, and what it means for people who visit the park and the fort.

What Happened

Reports say a seven-year-old boy was killed on 16 April near the Trinetra Ganesh temple inside the reserve. Some weeks later, on a Sunday, a forest ranger, Devendra Chaudhary, was fatally attacked while on duty in the Jogi Mahal area. Forest officials suspected that Kankati, a daughter of the famous tigress Arrowhead, was involved in both incidents. (Confirm the year, which appears to be 2025.)

After the second attack, the tigress moved towards a hotel on the edge of the forest. Concerned about public safety, authorities tranquillised her on a Wednesday and placed her in an enclosure while deciding on possible relocation. As a precaution, safaris were suspended in two of the park's ten zones, and public access to the Trinetra Ganesh temple was halted.

Why It Happened, According to Experts

Reports from the time describe a chain of events that began with Arrowhead. In 2023, Arrowhead had grown older and had lost her prime lake territory to her daughter Riddhi. She still gave birth to a fourth litter, two females and a male. Worried that she would not be able to hunt enough to feed them, the forest department began providing live buffalo as bait from August 2023.

Other animals soon began feeding on the bait too, including Riddhi, her cubs and the dominant male T-120. Kankati, one of Arrowhead's cubs, grew bolder around vehicles and people near the bait site at Jogi Mahal. Experts said that repeated feeding, tied to the arrival of vehicles, can make wild tigers lose their natural wariness of humans. Some described the situation as a result of poor wildlife management, while the department's intention had been to help a struggling mother.

Arrowhead later died of bone cancer on 19 June 2025.Read more about her in our article on Machli's family tree if you have published it.

What Happened to Kankati

After being tranquillised, Kankati was moved to Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve (MHTR) in Kota. Reports say she spent around two months in a smaller 21-hectare enclosure and was released into an 82 square kilometre enclosure in the Dara forest area on 15 August. She is radio-collared and known there as MT-8. At a later date she briefly escaped the enclosure on a Tuesday morning, crossed a road and caused brief panic and a halt to traffic, then returned to the forest the same day, according to a Mukundra Hills forest official. A local wildlife enthusiast criticised the department's safety measures at the time. (Check for any newer update on her status.)

Lessons for Management

Do not feed wildlife. Even well-meant bait can change animal behaviour and put people at risk.

• Keep clear separation between tourists, pilgrims and tigers around heritage sites inside the reserve. Monitor closely young tigers that are bold around people.

Communicate clearly with visitors and local communities when restrictions are needed.

What Visitors Should Know Now

Safari drives run every day in Ranthambore, and the park has rules and systems to protect visitors. Still, a few common-sense points matter, especially at the fort and temple area:

Check current access rules for Trinetra Ganesh temple and the fort on the day you go. Restrictions were imposed after the attacks and may have changed.

Visit in daylight and in groups. Do not walk alone on forest paths.

• Follow forest staff instructions at all times.
• Never feed or approach any wild animal. Stay seated and quiet on safari.See Green Tourism at Ranthambore if you have published it.

Plan your fort visit carefully.Our article on visiting Ranthambore Fort safely has practical advice.

The Bigger Picture

Ranthambore holds about 72 tigers in a reserve whose estimated carrying capacity is 40 to 50, according to Rajasthan's 2026 figures. Closer contact between tigers and people becomes more likely as numbers rise, which makes careful management and strong community cooperation more important than ever.See our articles on villages, corridors and relocationand tiger population in 2026 if you have published them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Kankati?

A tigress, daughter of Arrowhead, suspected by officials of involvement in two fatal attacks at Ranthambore.

Where is Kankati now?

She was relocated to an enclosure in Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve. Check the latest news for her current status.

Is it safe to visit Ranthambore?

Safari tourism continues, with safety measures in place. Follow park rules and current instructions.

Is the Trinetra Ganesh temple open?

Access was halted after the attacks. Confirm the current status before you travel.