The central government has deputed a high-level team for an on-ground investigation into the death of a 19-month-old male cheetah, identified as KNG22, at Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park from injuries linked to firearm pellets, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday.
The team comprises the Inspector General of Forests (National Tiger Conservation Authority – NTCA), the Additional Director of the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB) and the Regional Deputy Director of the WCCB.
The Union environment ministry said in its statement that the cheetah succumbed to multiple internal injuries associated with firearm pellets recovered from its body.
KNG22 was found injured on October 25 in the Morena territorial forest, outside the protected area of Kuno National Park. It was rescued the same day from the Sheopur Territorial Forest Division and received intensive veterinary care and emergency surgery at a veterinary facility in Jabalpur, the statement said.
During the surgery, five firearm pellets were recovered from its body. Despite the medical intervention, the cheetah died from its injuries on October 27, 2026, it added.
According to the statement, the team has been tasked with thoroughly investigating the circumstances that led to the cheetah’s death, examining all available evidence and coordinating closely with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department to ensure strict and swift action.
The state government has already constituted a Special Task Force, comprising forest and police officers, to investigate the incident.
Original Source: https://www.firstpost.com/india/centre-deputes-team-to-investigate-cheetah-death-due-to-pellet-injuries-at-kuno-national-park-14055995.html
Category: India
Tags:
Publish Date: 2026-10-28 13:19:00
