Railways Minister Lalu Prasad and his family remained inside the Jim Corbett National Park beyond the stipulated time in violation of laws, guides in the sanctuary have said.

Local guides have complained to the state wildlife department that the park authorities allegedly violated the laws by allowing Lalu Prasad and his family inside the sanctuary late on Tuesday evening, a senior official of the department said.

It was also alleged that Lalu Prasad moved in a Canter vehicle, the entry of which is banned inside the park.

The Uttarakhand government has ordered an inquiry into the matter.

"We are finding out the veracity of reports that the minister remained inside the park beyond the stipulated time," the official said.

Preliminary inquiries indicated the minister remained inside the park till 8 pm whereas visitors are normally asked to leave by 5 pm.

Tigers and elephants come out in the open to drink water in the evening.