Cheetah dies of gunshot wounds at Kuno; MP orders high-level probe

A 19-month-old male cheetah, identified as KNG22, died early Wednesday after sustaining severe internal injuries from gunshot wounds in Madhya Pradesh’s Sheopur district, prompting the state government to order a high-level probe into the incident, according to government agency.
The cheetah was rescued on October 25 after being found injured in Compartment No. 748 of the Sheopur Territorial Forest Division. Despite emergency medical treatment and surgery, the animal could not be saved.According to a statement issued by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) and Chief Wildlife Warden of Madhya Pradesh, an initial X-ray revealed multiple foreign bodies inside the cheetah. A subsequent CT scan showed damage to its internal organs, musculoskeletal system and nervous system.During emergency surgery, veterinarians recovered five firearm pellets from the animal’s body.

Madhya Pradesh: "KNG22, a 19-month-old male cheetah, who was rescued on 25 October 2026 after being found injured in Compartment No. 748 of the Sheopur Territorial Forest Division, died early this morning. An initial X-ray revealed multiple foreign bodies at different locations within the cheetah's body, and treatment was initiated accordingly. A subsequent CT scan revealed multiple foreign bodies causing damage to his internal organs, musculoskeletal system and nervous system. Emergency surgery was performed, during which five firearm pellets were recovered from his body. The state government has constituted a Special Task Force (STF) comprising of Forest and Police officers to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident": Principal Chief Conservator of Forest (Wildlife) & Chief Wildlife Warden, MP

— ANI (@ANI) October 28, 2026

The state government has constituted a Special Task Force (STF) comprising forest and police officials to investigate the suspected shooting or poaching incident. The team will examine the circumstances in which the cheetah sustained the injuries and identify those responsible. The exact circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been established.
In a separate incident, another 19-month-old male cheetah cub, an offspring of female cheetah Nirva, was found injured in a forest area under the Morena Territorial Forest Division.According to the Forest Department, a monitoring team received information about the injured cub on the evening of October 25. The animal was rescued that night and shifted to Kuno National Park for medical treatment.Officials are investigating the circumstances surrounding the second incident, while the exact cause of the cub’s injuries remains undetermined.