A 19-month-old male cheetah has died during treatment after being rescued in critical condition from Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh. Despite intensive medical interventions, the cub could not be saved. The case has taken a alarming turn as veterinary surgeons extracted five gunshot pellets from inside the animal's body during emergency surgery. The discovery of lead shot has raised strong suspicions of illegal hunting or firearm use, prompting the state government to launch a high-level inquiry.
Medical Examination and Emergency Surgery Details
According to an official press statement released by the forest department, the 19-month-old male cheetah, identified as KNG22, was located in a severely injured state on 25 October 2026 within compartment number 748 of the Sheopur Territorial Forest Division. Following immediate rescue protocols, the animal was transferred to the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology at NDVSU in Jabalpur for specialized care.
Initial X-ray examinations at the veterinary facility indicated the presence of foreign metallic objects lodged in multiple regions of the cheetah's body. A subsequent CT scan revealed extensive internal trauma. The imaging confirmed severe damage to the cub's internal organs, musculoskeletal system, and nervous system. Veterinary surgeons performed emergency surgery and retrieved five gunshot pellets from the tissue. However, due to the critical nature of the internal injuries, the cheetah succumbed early in the morning.
Preceding Incidents in Bamori Village
The tragedy follows an incident reported from Bamori village in Sheopur. At approximately 5:00 AM on Sunday, two cheetahs preyed upon two calves tethered in the courtyard of a residential house located on the periphery of the village. Shortly after this event, reports emerged regarding the injured status of female cheetah Nirva's 19-month-old cub. Forest officials secured the injured cub and arranged emergency transport to Jabalpur, where it later passed away.
State Government Action: Joint STF Investigation
The presence of firearm pellets inside the cheetah's body has raised critical questions regarding wildlife protection mechanisms. In response, the state government has constituted a Special Task Force (STF) to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death. The STF comprises personnel from both the forest department and the police force. The team is mandated to investigate potential poaching activity, identify individuals involved in firing weapons, and determine administrative oversights.
Allegations by Wildlife Activists and Current Cheetah Population
The incident has drawn criticism toward forest management practices. Right to Information (RTI) activist Ajay Dubey alleged that illegal poaching networks targeting leopards and wild animals had been operational in the region for an extended period without adequate intervention from authorities.
Following this loss, the total cheetah population in India stands at 58. Based on current records, Kuno National Park houses 52 cheetahs, Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary holds 4 cheetahs, and Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve (VDTR) accommodates 2 cheetahs.
