📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Charles J. Sharp
Crime
MP Announces SIT Probe into Death of 19-Month-Old Cheetah Cub, Shotgun Pellets Recovered
✍️ The Hawk
🗓 27 Oct 2026, 11:47 PM
👁 22
A Special Investigation Team has been formed to investigate the killing of a 19‑month‑old cheetah cub after forensic analysis revealed shotgun pellets in its body, an MP said.
The Member of Parliament announced that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been constituted to probe the recent death of a 19‑month‑old cheetah cub. The decision follows a forensic report that identified shotgun pellets embedded in the animal's body, indicating a violent act.
The cub, which was part of a captive breeding program, was found dead in a wildlife facility earlier this week. Veterinary experts who examined the carcass confirmed the presence of multiple pellets, ruling out natural causes.
Authorities have launched a full‑scale inquiry, with the SIT tasked to trace the source of the ammunition, interview staff, and review security footage. The investigation aims to determine whether the incident was a deliberate act of poaching or a breach of sanctuary protocols.
Conservationists have expressed concern over the loss, emphasizing the vulnerability of cheetah populations in India. The MP urged swift legal action against any perpetrators and called for reinforced protection measures for endangered species.
The case underscores growing challenges in safeguarding wildlife and highlights the government's commitment to enforce stringent penalties for illegal hunting.
The cub, which was part of a captive breeding program, was found dead in a wildlife facility earlier this week. Veterinary experts who examined the carcass confirmed the presence of multiple pellets, ruling out natural causes.
Authorities have launched a full‑scale inquiry, with the SIT tasked to trace the source of the ammunition, interview staff, and review security footage. The investigation aims to determine whether the incident was a deliberate act of poaching or a breach of sanctuary protocols.
Conservationists have expressed concern over the loss, emphasizing the vulnerability of cheetah populations in India. The MP urged swift legal action against any perpetrators and called for reinforced protection measures for endangered species.
The case underscores growing challenges in safeguarding wildlife and highlights the government's commitment to enforce stringent penalties for illegal hunting.