The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve authorities have fined Karan Deotale for violating safari norms during a family visit.
TATR deputy director (buffer) Kushagra Pathak said the incident occurred on January 30, when Deotale undertook a safari with his wife through the Nimdhela gate in the Khadsangi range buffer zone.
During the visit, Deotale was found carrying and using a mobile phone — an act strictly prohibited in both core and buffer areas of Tadoba to safeguard wildlife and maintain the sanctity of the reserve experience.
The violation came to light recently after a video circulated on social media showed the reflection of a mobile device in the safari vehicle’s mirror. However, Pathak maintained that park authorities had detected the violation on the same day, and the Khadsangi range forest officer promptly imposed a ₹5,000 penalty, which the legislator paid immediately.
The reserve enforces a strict ban on mobile phones during safaris to minimise disturbance to animals and ensure disciplined tourism practices. Officials said the swift action reflects a zero-tolerance approach towards violations.
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