Ustad of Ranthambore: Instinct, Territory & Controversy

In this powerful episode of Value of Life with Puja Khushal, host Puja Singh continues her conversation with Balendu Singh, Honorary Wildlife Warden of Ranthambore National Park, as they discuss one of India’s most debated tigers — T-24 Ustad.

Was Ustad truly a “man-eater,” or was he a victim of circumstance and territorial instinct?

This episode goes beyond media headlines to examine the real story behind the controversy. Through field experience and conservation insight, the discussion explores:

• What led to Ustad being labeled dangerous • Tiger territorial behavior and dominance patterns • Human-wildlife conflict in India • The difficult decisions conservation authorities must make • Balancing human safety with wildlife protection

Rather than sensationalizing the issue, this conversation focuses on understanding tiger behavior, forest dynamics, and the complexity of coexistence.

The episode also reflects on the evolving landscape of Ranthambore, the challenges of managing tiger populations, and the responsibility of preserving protected habitats for future generations.

If you are interested in the Ustad tiger story, Ranthambore controversy, human-wildlife conflict, or tiger conservation in India, this episode provides perspective grounded in real experience.

Because sometimes, wildlife stories are not about fear — they are about understanding.

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