Government Takes Action After Cheetah Killing in Madhya Pradesh

The recent shooting of a cheetah in Kuno National Park has led to significant government action in Madhya Pradesh, including the suspension of six forest personnel and the formation of a Special Task Force to investigate the incident. The cheetah, identified as KNG22, succumbed to injuries after being shot multiple times. Two suspects have been arrested, and a high-level team from the central government is assessing the situation. This incident raises serious concerns about the security measures in place for the ongoing Cheetah Project in India, prompting calls for a thorough investigation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 31, 2026, 10:45 IST

Cheetah Killing Sparks Outrage in Madhya Pradesh

The shooting of a cheetah at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh has caused significant concern among wildlife officials and the administration. In response to the incident, the state government has adopted a firm stance, suspending six forest personnel involved. Additionally, a Special Task Force (STF) has been established to investigate the matter thoroughly, leading to increased activity within the forest department.

The deceased cheetah has been identified as a 19-month-old male named KNG22, the offspring of a female cheetah named Nirva. He was discovered severely injured on October 25 in compartment number 748 of the Shyopur Territorial Forest Division. Following his discovery, a rescue team from the forest department transported him for medical treatment.

Five Bullets Removed, But Life Lost

Due to the severity of his injuries, KNG22 was transferred to the Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University in Jabalpur for advanced care. Investigations and a CT scan revealed extensive damage to his internal organs, muscles, and nervous system. During emergency surgery, five bullets were extracted from his body, but despite all efforts, he succumbed to his injuries on the morning of October 27.

Two Suspects Arrested, Weapons Seized

In connection with this case, the Morena police have apprehended two suspects and recovered weapons from them. Investigative agencies are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the attack on the cheetah and whether others were involved. They are also examining the seized firearms to piece together the details of the incident.

Central Government Sends High-Level Investigation Team

Given the seriousness of the situation, the central government has dispatched a high-level team to Madhya Pradesh. This team includes senior officials from the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB). They will assess the evidence related to the incident and evaluate the security, monitoring, and conservation measures in the forest area, coordinating with the STF established by the state government.

Concerns Raised Over Cheetah Project Security

This incident has raised critical questions regarding the security measures of the ongoing Cheetah Project in India. Wildlife conservation advocates are calling for a thorough and impartial investigation into the event. The forest department now faces the challenge of understanding how such an incident occurred in a protected wildlife area and identifying any lapses in monitoring.

According to forest department statistics, following this incident, the total number of cheetahs in India has dropped to 58, with 52 residing in Kuno National Park, four in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and two in the Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.

All eyes are now on the reports from the STF and the central investigation team, which are expected to clarify who is responsible for the cheetah's death and what measures need to be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.