Cheetah shot dead in Kuno National Park in India, two suspects arrested

A 19-month-old male cheetah named KNG22 was shot and killed in Kuno National Park, India. The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and police are conducting a thorough investigation following the incident. Six forest employees, including two rangers, a deputy ranger, and three forest guards, have been suspended for failing to prevent the attack.

Two suspects were arrested on October 25, and weapons were recovered from them. The cheetah was found severely injured and transported to Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University in Jabalpur for treatment. Despite extensive surgery, the animal died on October 27 due to bullet wounds. The attack was a targeted incident, not a natural wildlife conflict.

This tragic event has prompted questions about security measures within the protected forest area and led to demands for a CBI probe and removal of key officials. The Central government has sent a high-level team, and a Special Investigation Team composed of Forest Department and police officials has been established. This marks the first time a cheetah has been killed in India in over 79 years, casting doubt on the safety of Project Cheetah and the reintroduced animals in Kuno National Park.