Full Breakdown
Death of KNG22: Pellet Injuries Claim First Reintroduced Cheetah in India
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In this breakdown
01
Core Event
On the evening of October 25, 2026, a 19-month-old male cheetah, KNG22, was found injured in the Sheopur Territorial Forest Division of Morena district, Madhya Pradesh. Project Cheetah rescued the cub that night and treated it at Kuno National Park. Because of severe internal damage, it was transferred on October 26 to the Department of Veterinary Surgery and Radiology at Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University (NDVSU) in Jabalpur. Emergency surgery on October 27 recovered five firearm pellets, but the cheetah died early the next morning.
02
Background & Context
Project Cheetah, launched in September 2022, seeks to re-establish the species in India after its 1952 extinction. To date, 41 cubs have been born in the wild, bringing the national cheetah population to 58 individuals—52 in Kuno National Park, four in Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary and two in Veerangana Durgavati Tiger Reserve, all in Madhya Pradesh. All reintroduced cheetahs carry satellite-based radio collars and are monitored round-the-clock.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Official Statements & Responses
The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, led by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Dr Sameeta Rajora, formed a Special Task Force of forest and police officers to investigate. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) issued a statement on October 28, 2026 calling the matter “of utmost gravity” and dispatched a high-level team, including the Inspector General of Forests (NTCA) and officials from the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, for an on-ground probe.
Kuno Project Director Uttam Kumar Sharma said the incident occurred outside his jurisdiction. The State Tiger Strike Force was also deployed to examine possible poaching or human-wildlife conflict angles.
04
Data & Statistics
- Age: 19 months
- Identification: KNG22, radio-collared
- Injuries: Five firearm pellets; CT scan showed internal, musculoskeletal and nervous system damage, causing hind-limb paraplegia
- Population impact: Total cheetahs in India reduced to 58 (52 Kuno, 4 Gandhi Sagar, 2 VDTR)
05
Criticism & Opposition
Wildlife activist Ajay Dubey questioned protection measures, suggesting an “organised poaching network” and calling for a CBI inquiry and the removal of senior forest officials. He warned the case does not appear to be a self-defence shooting, noting the rarity of unprovoked cheetah attacks on humans.
06
Verbatim Quotes
- “This does not seem like a case of shooting in self-defence as a cheetah attacking a human unprovoked is very rare and we have not seen a single case in four years.” — Ajay Dubey, wildlife activist
- “During the surgery, five firearm pellets were recovered from its body. Despite the medical intervention, the cheetah succumbed to its injuries on October 27, 2026,” — Union environment ministry
07
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources confirm the recovery of five pellets, but the weapon type is still under forensic examination, with possibilities ranging from traditional bharmar muzzle-loaders to country-made 12-bore shotguns. No suspect has been identified, and the motive—poaching, mistaken identity, or retaliation—remains unverified. The investigation continues, and final findings have yet to be released.