Culture & Entertainment · India Bureau
Two arrested in connection with death of protected cheetah
Authorities have detained two individuals in relation to the fatal shooting of a cheetah, though investigators are still searching for the weapon believed to have been used in the incident. Officials suspect the firearm may be a country-made bharmar gun, a traditional muzzle-loading smoothbore weapon commonly found in rural and forested areas.
LSN India ·
Law enforcement officials have arrested two persons in connection with the death of a cheetah, marking the latest incident involving the threatened big cat species. The animal was reportedly killed by gunshot, prompting an investigation into the circumstances surrounding its death.
Investigators are actively searching for the firearm used in the shooting. Based on preliminary findings, authorities suspect the weapon is a bharmar gun—a traditional single-shot, muzzle-loading smoothbore firearm that has long been prevalent in rural and forested regions of the area. Such weapons are often homemade and remain difficult to trace through conventional forensic methods.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in protecting wildlife in regions where traditional hunting practices persist and access to makeshift firearms remains relatively easy. Cheetahs are protected under wildlife conservation laws, and the unlawful killing of the animal could result in significant legal penalties for those convicted.
The two detainees are currently in custody as officials continue their investigation. Authorities have appealed to the public for any information that could help locate the weapon used in the incident.