Theme party horror: Probe into use of chained monkeys

KOLKATA: The use of rhesus macaques in a circus theme party at a nightclub on Friday left some attendees horrified and triggered condemnation from netizens after videos of the event, where a baby macaque in chains had become an object of amusement while two adults performed gymnastics, went viral. The storm prompted the police to start a suo-motu probe and the club to issue a clarification distancing itself from what happened on its premises.
Akashlina Chandra, who was at the nightclub, said she was shocked at what was happening. "As I walked into the nightclub around 10.30 pm, I noticed a crowd that had gathered around two monkeys who were dancing to the tune of music being played by madaris. The overenthusiastic youths, both men and women, were insisting that the macaques dance with them. They made merry each time the primates obliged. At the corner of the club was a baby macaque in collar chains. As the party advanced, a crowd shifted to it and started making gestures. The baby monkey was clearly terrified. As my conscience pricked, I started making videos with the intention to make them public," said Chandra.
The videos led to an avalanche of criticism on social media. Actor Anindyo Chattopadhyay, who shared the story on social media page, remarked: "If you think using a petrified baby monkey will make your circus-themed party look cool, then I am sorry Toy Room Kolkata," he wrote, tagging the venue in his social media posts.
. According to Toy Room management, they had no role in hiring the primates. Instead, it claimed the madaris had approached the club but had been refused. "Later they (madaris) moved to the ground level of the mall's entrance and sat to make a livelihood. The monkeys were in no way hurt, injured or harmed," read their statement.
Shakespeare Sarani police said they had received a complaint from Deepanwita Bera after she tweeted the video on Kolkata Police Twitter page. "An inhuman activity found in a night club in Kolkata. They have tied a monkey, just to entertain people. The club name is Toyroom Kolkata, situated in Camac Street. I would request @KolkataPolice and @Wild_Rescue to help that traumatised monkey. #AnimalAbuse," she tweeted.
Cops reached the spot along with forest officers. "We have recorded statements and might ask others associated with the club and Friday's party to join the probe," said an officer.
Primatologist Anindya Sinha said it's high time to take a re-look into use of non-human primates both for medical and entertainment purposes. "Not only use of macaques by madaris, what about their use in medical research? Clarity on these issues are needed before chalking out a legal plan," he added.