Forest department investigates mysterious monkey deaths in Chhattisgarh

The forest department has launched an investigation into the reported deaths of 18 to 19 monkeys in Bemetara district of Chhattisgarh, senior officials said. Four decomposed carcasses have already been recovered.

A panchayat official claimed that two workers hired by villagers had shot dead at least 17 monkeys. He accused the forest department of trying to cover up the incident. A senior forest official, however, said the exact cause of death was not yet ascertained but several suspects were being questioned.

“The incident allegedly took place on August 28 in Belgaon village when labourers fired shots to disperse the monkeys,” said Sitaram Verma, a local panchayat leader. Verma revealed that he was against the violent action, citing religious sentiments associated with monkeys as incarnations of the god Hanuman. The investigation, which includes a forensic examination of the remains, is ongoing.

Forest officer Chandrashekhar Pardeshi confirmed the ongoing search operation and said further action would be taken against the culprits under the Wildlife Protection Act. The investigation is still ongoing and the involvement of multiple parties makes the case a complex one.

(With contributions from agencies.)