22 monkeys 'killed' to protect crops in Chhattisgarh village; forest, police launch probe
RAIPUR: At least 22 monkeys were allegedly shot dead in a village in Chhattisgarh's Bemetara district to protect standing crops, triggering outrage and prompting a joint forest-police probe into what officials said could amount to a serious wildlife crime if the allegation is confirmed.
The alleged killings were reported from Devgaon-Dokarbela in Dadhi, where villagers claimed crop guards hired to protect fields from monkeys and stray cattle opened fire on the animals.
Forest teams that reached the spot Saturday recovered the remains of two monkeys and sent them for post-mortem and forensic examination. Officials said the actual number of deaths, the weapon used and the identities of those involved were yet to be established.
Investigators are now trying to establish the scale of the alleged killings. With only two carcasses recovered so far, teams are searching surrounding areas, questioning villagers and checking whether more bodies were removed or disposed of.
Bemetara forest ranger Madhuri Singh said teams had collected evidence and were questioning villagers. "Further action will be based on the findings," she said.
The case came to light after videos and claims of mass killings began circulating locally and on social media.
According to residents, crop guards are engaged in the area to drive away monkeys and stray cattle, with farmers contributing grain towards their payment. Villagers alleged that the guards went beyond their role.
Additional SP Harish Yadav said action would follow a formal complaint and verification. Forest officials said that if deliberate shooting of the monkeys was confirmed, action would be taken under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and other laws.
The alleged killings were reported from Devgaon-Dokarbela in Dadhi, where villagers claimed crop guards hired to protect fields from monkeys and stray cattle opened fire on the animals.
Forest teams that reached the spot Saturday recovered the remains of two monkeys and sent them for post-mortem and forensic examination. Officials said the actual number of deaths, the weapon used and the identities of those involved were yet to be established.
Investigators are now trying to establish the scale of the alleged killings. With only two carcasses recovered so far, teams are searching surrounding areas, questioning villagers and checking whether more bodies were removed or disposed of.
Bemetara forest ranger Madhuri Singh said teams had collected evidence and were questioning villagers. "Further action will be based on the findings," she said.
The case came to light after videos and claims of mass killings began circulating locally and on social media.
According to residents, crop guards are engaged in the area to drive away monkeys and stray cattle, with farmers contributing grain towards their payment. Villagers alleged that the guards went beyond their role.
Additional SP Harish Yadav said action would follow a formal complaint and verification. Forest officials said that if deliberate shooting of the monkeys was confirmed, action would be taken under the Wildlife (Protection) Act and other laws.
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