The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced on 28 October 2026 that it has deployed a high-level team to investigate the death of a 19-month-old male cheetah in Madhya Pradesh. The animal, part of Project Cheetah, died on 27 October 2026 after being found with firearm pellet injuries on 25 October 2026. The central team will work with the state's Special Task Force to examine evidence and review security protocols to prevent future incidents. The release does not say when the investigation will be completed.
Key points
- Investigation focuses on a 19-month-old male cheetah (KNG22) from Kuno National Park
- Five firearm pellets were recovered from the animal's body during surgery
- Central team includes officials from NTCA and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau
- The team will review security and monitoring measures to protect reintroduced cheetahs
When it applies
- Cheetah found injured in Morena
- Death of the Cheetah
Who it affects
- Central team and State machinery