Three adult male rhesus macaques accused of repeatedly attacking residents and spreading fear in Bhandup’s Khindipada area have been captured by the Thane Forest Department with assistance from Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA) and researchers from Wildlife Conservation Society-India (WCS-India).

Utter menace

At least 25 to 30 people, including children, were attacked over the past two months on roads near Khindipada, adjacent to the Sanjay Gandhi National Park boundary. Range Forest Officer Santosh Dagale confirmed receiving multiple complaints regarding macaque attacks on young children and passersby. Residents had previously submitted a formal letter to the forest department highlighting the serious threat to residents.