World · India Bureau
Centre launches probe into fatal shooting of cheetah at Kuno sanctuary
A 19-month-old male cheetah at Madhya Pradesh's Kuno National Park died from gunshot wounds on October 27, prompting a high-level investigation. The incident has raised serious questions about wildlife monitoring and security protocols at the facility.
LSN India ·
The cheetah, identified as KNG22, succumbed to injuries inflicted by multiple bullet pellets at the central Indian sanctuary. During emergency surgery, medical teams extracted five pellets from the animal's body, confirming it had been shot.
The death has triggered dual investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident. While the state government constituted a Special Task Force to examine the matter, the central government dispatched a high-level team to oversee the inquiry and determine responsibility.
The incident marks a significant setback for India's cheetah reintroduction program at Kuno, which began in 2023 as part of efforts to restore the species to Indian wilderness after nearly seven decades of extinction in the country. The facility, located in Shivpuri district, has been central to this conservation initiative.
The shooting raises critical questions about the adequacy of security measures and monitoring systems at the sanctuary. Officials are examining whether lapses in vigilance or unauthorized access contributed to the fatal incident. The investigation is expected to reveal details about how the animal was shot and whether measures to prevent such occurrences are sufficient.