Centre sends high-level team to probe cheetah KNG22's death from pellet injuries

New Delhi: After the death of a 19-month-old male cheetah (KNG22) at Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park due to pellet injuries, the Centre has deputed a high-level team for an on-ground investigation into the incident, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday, October 28.

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 cheetah succumbed to multiple internal injuries associated with firearm pellets recovered from its body, the statement released by the Union environment ministry said.

KNG22 was found injured on October 25 in the Morena territorial forest, outside the protected area of Kuno National Park. It was rescued from the Sheopur Territorial Forest Division the same day and received intensive veterinary care and emergency surgery at the veterinary facility in Jabalpur, it said.

"During the surgery, five firearm pellets were recovered from its body. Despite the medical intervention, the cheetah succumbed to its injuries on October 27, 2026," it added.

According to the statement, the team is tasked with thoroughly investigating the circumstances leading 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.