MLA fined Rs 5k for carrying phone during Tadoba safari

Chandrapur: The Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve authorities fined BJP MLA from Warora constituency, Karan Deotale, for violating safari norms during a family visit.TATR deputy director (buffer) Kushagra Pathak claimed that the incident happened on Jan 30 when Deotale undertook a safari with his wife through the Nimdhela gate in Khadsangi range buffer zone. During the excursion, MLA Deotale was found to have carried and used a mobile phone — an act strictly prohibited in both core and buffer areas of Tadoba to safeguard wildlife and maintain the integrity of the reserve experience.The violation came to public notice recently after a video shared on social media revealed the reflection of a mobile device in the safari vehicle's mirror. However Pathak claimed that park managers had noticed the violation on the same date and acting promptly, RFO Khadsangi had imposed a 5,000 penalty which the legislator paid the same day.The reserve enforces a stringent ban on mobile phones during safaris to minimise disturbance to animals and ensure disciplined tourism practices. Officials emphasised that the swift action reflects a zero-tolerance approach to violations.