NEW DELHI: Residents of a few blocks in Chittaranjan Park in south Delhi have been terrorised by monkeys for the past one month. The situation is quite grim in blocks 52, M, N, O and P where an increased frequency of simian attacks has been observed over the past 15 days. The RWA has even put up an advisory for women and children to avoid public spaces and parks.
PK Paul, secretary of EPDP Association, told TOI that due to the aggressive behaviour of monkeys, people are afraid of stepping outside their homes. “There have been 20 monkey bite cases in the last two weeks alone. The frequency has gone up around the Kali Mandir and a few other blocks. The group of monkeys has been active for several months, but of late they have become very aggressive and injured many women,” he added.
A veterinary department official from SDMC said the most aggressive monkey that was responsible for several attacks was captured on Monday. “We caught two monkeys from CR Park on Sunday and Monday, with the help of private catchers. We will continue to set traps in areas from where complaints are received,” he added. Edible items, like peanuts, bananas and gram, are used to lure them in the cages. The captured monkeys would be shifted to Asola Bhatti wildlife sanctuary.
Last Friday, after multiple attacks were reported in Pocket 52, EBDP had requested the veterinary department of SDMC to catch the monkeys in the park. “Many cases of monkey bite have been reported from Kali Mandir, Block 88, Pocket 52, J-Block, among others. We have advised women and children to avoid open spaces and public parks till this group of monkeys is caught. We want more cages placed in the area,” Paul said.
Dr Ish Kathpalia from Ariston Hospital, who has treated many monkey attack victims, said they had been receiving a couple of cases daily over the past 10 days. “The victims are of all age groups. Yesterday, we treated a woman whose nose was bitten by a monkey while she was visiting the local temple. Earlier, there used to be sporadic cases. But now it seems more simians are coming from Tughlaqabad side where a lot of construction is going on. Maybe, they are getting aggressive after being unable to find food,” he added.
A vet official said monkeys should be handled by the wildlife department as they were wild animals. “The monkeys released in Asola sanctuary jump out as there is no significant barrier separating the forest from the surrounding residential areas. Once monkeys are relocated, they are fed by the wildlife department,” said another official.