MP: SIT constituted in 19-month-old Cheetah cub killing probe; shotgun pellets found in body
Bhopal: The Madhya Pradesh government has constituted a Special Task Force comprising forest and police officials to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident.
Preliminary findings indicating that the cheetah was shot have raised serious questions about security arrangements for animals moving outside Kuno National Park, a government statement said.
A 19-month-old male cheetah, identified as KNG22, died on Tuesday morning while undergoing treatment at the Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University (NDVSU) in Jabalpur. During emergency surgery supervised by senior veterinary experts, five shotgun pellets were removed from the cheetah’s body.
The animal was placed under intensive care, but its condition remained critical due to severe injuries, including paralysis in both hind legs and neurological impairment. It succumbed around 5:10 AM on October 27.
Following the death of KNG22, the total number of cheetahs in India now stands at 58. Of these, 52 are in Kuno National Park, four in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, and two in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve.
The cub had been rescued in an injured condition from compartment number 748 of the Sheopur Forest Division on October 25. Initial examination and X-ray revealed the presence of foreign objects in various parts of its body.
After preliminary treatment and consultations with experts, the cheetah was shifted to the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology at NDVSU, Jabalpur, for advanced care.
A CT scan confirmed multiple metallic fragments near the spine and other areas, which had caused damage to internal organs, musculature, skeletal structure and the nervous system.
Earlier, initial reports had suggested that the injury might have resulted from a confrontation with villagers after a female cheetah cub was allegedly involved in a livestock incident in the Morena area.
However, medical examination confirmed that KNG22 had been shot at close range, with pellets recovered from its body.
Authorities have assured that the investigation will establish the circumstances leading to the shooting and fix responsibility.