Union Government deputes High-Level Central Team to Investigate Death of Cheetah due to Firearm Pellet Injuries in Madhya Pradesh

The Union Government has deputed a high-level central team to investigate the death of a 19-month-old male cheetah due to firearm pellet injuries in Madhya Pradesh. The cheetah, part of the reintroduced population under Project Cheetah, was found injured outside Kuno National Park in the territorial forests of Morena on October 25, 2026. Despite rescue, intensive veterinary care, and emergency surgery where five firearm pellets were recovered, the animal succumbed to its injuries on October 27, 2026. The central team comprises officials from the National Tiger Conservation Authority and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, and will coordinate with the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and its Special Task Force to examine security protocols, monitoring, and protection measures.