The Union Government has deputed a high-level team to investigate the death of a reintroduced Cheetah in Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. The Central team will examine all available evidence and collaborate with the state authorities to ensure strict action.
On 25th October 2026, a 19-month-old male Cheetah named KNG22, an offspring of Cheetah Nirva, was found injured in the territorial forests of Morena, outside the protected area of Kuno National Park, Madhya Pradesh. The Cheetah was rescued by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and rushed to a veterinary facility in Jabalpur for intensive care and emergency surgery. During the operation, five firearm pellets were recovered from its body.
Upon learning about the incident, the Union Government took immediate action, viewing the matter with utmost gravity given the critical importance of Project Cheetah and the need to maintain high standards of protection for the reintroduced population of the Big Cat. A high-level team was deputed by the Centre for an on-ground investigation into the incident.
The Central team, comprising the Inspector General of Forests from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), the Additional Director from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB), and the Regional Deputy Director from WCCB, has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of the Cheetah. They will examine all available evidence, coordinate closely with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, and ensure strict and swift action in the matter.
The State Government of Madhya Pradesh has already constituted a Special Task Force (STF) comprising Forest and Police officers to investigate the incident. The Central team deputed by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) will work in coordination with the state machinery. The Central team will also examine the implementation of security protocols and monitoring and protection measures being undertaken to avoid any such incident in future.
The Central team will submit its findings and recommendations to the Ministry for further directions to the State Government and field authorities.
Source:
Press Information Bureau
