Two shots at tranquilization were attempted by Daulat Singh Shaktawat (ranger) and he was hesitant of a third shot, worried both for the tiger and the people. However, ordered by assistant conservator of forests Sedu Ram, he attempted a third shot during which he got too close to the tiger and was grievously injured. Shockingly, there was no announcement system to tell the people what the forest department was doing.

Ranger Shaktawat, one of the best in the country, was left at the mercy of an inexperienced officer taking directions on a wireless set. I took as many pictures as I could so that a record could be made for future reference. A lot of people had gathered but I did not see anyone throw stones. I heard that park authorities had thrown fire-crackers to force it to flee and this prompted villagers to shout and throw stones. Shaktawat was unaware how close he was to the animal when it suddenly attacked him. His superior, who had ordered the shot, abandoned him right away. It was some quick thinking by subordinate staff that saved Shaktawat.

My years in Ranthambore have taken me from wildlife research to anti-poaching activity. When I reported that 18 tigers were missing inside Ranthambore in 2004, I got on the wrong side of the department as they were in total denial. However, a government inquiry found that 21 tigers were indeed missing.

Over the years, forest department has tried its best to implicate me in some or other wildlife crime. However, I am deeply saddened to hear that they are now trying to frame me by saying that I was getting locals to throw stones at the tiger. It is a disgrace that the department should threaten the very people that are helping them.

(Dharmendra Khandal is a bio-conservationist associated with Tiger Watch, an NGO active in Ranthambore region. The views expressed in this article are personal )