Rakul Preet Singh's viral Gir safari video sparks backlash, officials clarify she didn't enter restricted area

Rakul Preet Singh recently found herself embroiled in controversy after a video showing her walking near a safari vehicle went viral. However, forest officials have clarified that the video was shot at the entry point of the sanctuary and not inside the restricted area.

Rakul Preet Singh recently found herself embroiled in controversy after a video showing her walking near a safari vehicle went viral.

Netizens quickly pointed out that Rakul was violating forest and wildlife rules by stepping out of the safari jeep.

However, forest department officials have clarified that the video was shot at the entry point of the sanctuary and not inside it.

DCF Sasan-Gir's official X handle issued a clarification, writing, "The alleged video being circulated is from outside the entry point of the Sanctuary area and not inside the restricted zone."

The park authorities also issued a statement and said, "We clarified that the video is from outside the entry point of the Sasan Sanctuary. Every sanctuary has a designated entry point for visitors entering the protected area. The viral video was shot outside that point. Therefore, we clarified that the incident did not take place inside the restricted zone."

Further explaining the rules inside the sanctuary, officials said no one is allowed to step out of their vehicles. "As per the rules, once inside the sanctuary, no one is allowed to step out of their safari vehicle."

Officials also clarified that Rakul had suffered a medical issue and hence she stepped out of her vehicle at the entry point of the sanctuary.

"Due to this, her team took her back, and she did not enter the sanctuary premises. Our restricted zone begins only after the sanctuary entry point. No rules were violated. We have already clarified this through our official Twitter handle," the statement read.

Meanwhile, Rakul will be seen in the upcoming romantic comedy Pati Patni Aur Woh Do alongside Ayushmann Khurrana and Wamiqa Gabbi.

The film is slated for a theatrical release on May 15.