📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / PMO India
Crime
Two Rangers Suspended, Six Forest Staff Fired After Cheetah Killed in Kuno National Park
✍️ Amar Ujala · Bhopal
🗓 31 Oct 2026, 08:45 AM
👁 11
A cheetah named Shavak (KNG22) was shot dead in Madhya Pradesh’s Kuno National Park, prompting the forest department to suspend two rangers and six other staff while arresting two suspects.
The forest authorities confirmed that a cheetah identified as Shavak (tagged KNG22) was found dead after being shot inside Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh. The incident, which has shocked wildlife conservationists, was reported earlier this week.
In response, the state forest department has taken immediate disciplinary action, suspending two park rangers and six other forest employees who were on duty at the time of the shooting. Simultaneously, police have detained two individuals alleged to be involved in the illegal killing.
Department officials said the suspensions are provisional pending a detailed inquiry, and the arrested suspects will face charges under the Wildlife Protection Act. An internal review will also examine lapses in surveillance and patrolling that may have allowed the crime to occur.
The death of the cheetah adds to concerns about poaching and illegal hunting in protected areas, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement and community awareness to safeguard India’s dwindling big‑cat populations.
In response, the state forest department has taken immediate disciplinary action, suspending two park rangers and six other forest employees who were on duty at the time of the shooting. Simultaneously, police have detained two individuals alleged to be involved in the illegal killing.
Department officials said the suspensions are provisional pending a detailed inquiry, and the arrested suspects will face charges under the Wildlife Protection Act. An internal review will also examine lapses in surveillance and patrolling that may have allowed the crime to occur.
The death of the cheetah adds to concerns about poaching and illegal hunting in protected areas, underscoring the need for stricter enforcement and community awareness to safeguard India’s dwindling big‑cat populations.