Kuno Cheetah Killing: Six Forest Officials Suspended, Two Arrested; Centre Sends High-Level Team

Six forest officials have been suspended and two suspects arrested after a 19-month-old cheetah was shot dead in Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park, triggering a major security investigation.

The male cheetah, identified as KNG22, died on October 27 after sustaining multiple gunshot injuries. The incident has raised serious concerns over security arrangements in the protected forest and the safety of cheetahs brought to India under Project Cheetah.

The suspended officials include two rangers, one deputy ranger and three forest guards. The department has initiated an inquiry into alleged negligence and lapses in forest protection.

Morena police have arrested two suspects in connection with the killing. Weapons have reportedly been recovered during the investigation, although the firearm used in the attack is yet to be traced.

Five Bullet Pellets Extracted During Surgery

The incident came to light on October 25, when forest personnel found KNG22 severely injured in compartment number 748 of the Sheopur Territorial Forest Division.

The injured cheetah was shifted to Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University in Jabalpur for advanced treatment.

A CT scan revealed extensive damage to its internal organs, muscles, bones and nervous system. Doctors conducted emergency surgery and extracted five bullet pellets from its body.

Despite medical intervention, the cheetah died on the morning of October 27.

Investigations established that the animal had been deliberately shot, ruling out a natural wildlife conflict as the cause of its injuries.

Centre Sends Team, State Forms SIT

The Central government has dispatched a high-level team to investigate the incident. The Madhya Pradesh government has also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) comprising officials from the Forest Department and police.

The investigation will examine how armed individuals entered the protected forest area and managed to shoot the cheetah without being intercepted by the security personnel.

The authorities are also examining possible lapses in surveillance and accountability among forest staff.

Wildlife Activist Demands CBI Probe

Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey has demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the killing.

He has also called for the removal of Kuno National Park's Field Director and the Divisional Forest Officer, alleging serious failures in protecting the animal.

The suspensions and arrests have intensified scrutiny of the security arrangements at Kuno, which is central to India's ambitious cheetah reintroduction programme.

The killing is being described as the first known incident of a cheetah being shot dead in India in around 79 years. It has raised fresh questions about the protection of reintroduced cheetahs and the effectiveness of security measures in their habitat.