Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh | October 27, 2026
A 19-month-old male cheetah rescued from Morena has reportedly died at Kuno National Park. The Times of India, citing forest department sources, reported that multiple pellets were found in its abdomen, raising suspicion of a close-range shooting outside the protected area.
Monitoring Team Found the Injured Animal
The young male, born to South African female Nirva, was discovered injured in the Morena Territorial Forest Division on the evening of October 25. It was struggling to move and was rescued overnight before being transported to Kuno for examination and treatment.
The Forest Department’s statement on October 26 confirmed the rescue and said investigators were examining all possible explanations for its injuries.
Bharmar Firearm Under Suspicion
The additional Times of India report says investigators suspect a bharmar, a traditional muzzle-loading firearm. The weapon and motive remain matters for investigation; the available reporting does not establish who fired at the animal.
State Tiger Strike Force Investigates
Madhya Pradesh’s State Tiger Strike Force was deployed alongside local forest authorities. Chief Wildlife Warden Samita Rajora had earlier said the investigation would consider animal encounters, human involvement and accidental injury.
These possibilities formed part of the initial inquiry. They should not be confused with a final forensic determination.
Previous Poaching Cases Add to Concern
The wider Morena–Sheopur landscape has been investigated over an alleged interstate leopard-poaching network. Its history prompted heightened caution, according to officials quoted by ThePrint.
However, no verified connection between that network and the cheetah’s injuries has been established. Nor should the case automatically be linked to the separately reported killing of calves near Kuno.
Later Report Describes the Animal’s Death
October 26 accounts described the cheetah as receiving veterinary care. The Times of India’s later October 27 report said it had died and described the incident as the first suspected shooting-related cheetah death since reintroduction began in 2022.
Protection Beyond Kuno’s Boundaries
The case highlights the need for coordinated protection across adjoining forest divisions. Radio tracking can locate an animal, but preventing harm also requires field surveillance, rapid intervention and cooperation with local communities.
A clear official account of the medical findings, circumstances and investigation will be essential to establishing responsibility.
Sources: The Times of India; The New Indian Express; ThePrint; Deccan Chronicle.
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