Mumbai: Monkey attacks rise in Khindipada near SGNP, more than 10 residents reportedly injured

Residents show injuries allegedly sustained in recent monkey attacks in Khindipada. Pics/By Special Arrangement

Cases of human-monkey conflict have once again been reported from Khindipada, adjacent to Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in the Bhandup-Mulund area, with more than 10 residents, including children, allegedly attacked by monkeys. At around 8.30 pm on September 23, a monkey bit four-year-old Ajinkya Shekale.

Young victims

Residents said most victims are children aged between three and 10. Locals have submitted more than 10 photographs of injured children to forest department officials and urged them to take action. A Khindipada resident said, "A few days ago, I saw a monkey charge at a child and bite him badly. There is panic among residents, and we have requested the forest department to trap the monkey."

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Staff deployed

Following the complaint, the Thane forest department's territorial team has increased staff deployment in areas where the attacks have been reported. Personnel have also been instructed to remain stationed in the affected areas.

Photographs of injuries allegedly sustained by residents in monkey attacks, shared with the forest department by Khindipada residents. Pics/By Special Arrangement

More monkeys

mid-day earlier this month reported that three adult male rhesus macaques suspected of repeatedly attacking residents in Bhandup's Khindipada area had been captured by the Thane forest department, with assistance from the Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA) and researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society-India (WCS-India). The latest incidents have raised suspicion that other monkeys could be responsible for the attacks.

Official Speak

A forest department official
"In the last few days, incidents of monkeys attacking people, including children, have increased in the Khindipada area. A child was attacked by a monkey last night, and the four-year-old suffered injuries. We are taking all possible measures to try and capture the monkey."