An attempt by a local governing body to tackle the monkey menace ended in tragedy after nearly 50 monkeys reportedly died during a relocation drive in Nallabelli mandal of Narsampet constituency on Wednesday.
According to local sources, the Nallabelli Gram Panchayat had engaged a professional animal-catching team from Tamil Nadu to trap and relocate monkeys to the Kaleshwaram forests, following an election promise to address the growing issue.
Overcrowding led to suffocation
The captured monkeys were allegedly crammed into small cages without adequate ventilation or safety measures and left overnight. By morning, villagers found dozens of carcasses, while surviving animals appeared severely traumatised.
It is suspected that panic, fighting and suffocation inside the overcrowded cages led to internal injuries and deaths.
The incident has sparked widespread anger among residents and animal welfare activists, who termed the operation unscientific and inhumane.
Complaint and demand for probe
In a surprising turn, the Gram Panchayat filed a complaint against the hired agency, accusing it of negligence and failure to relocate the animals immediately. The agency, however, claimed that plans to shift the monkeys into larger cages were disrupted after the animals turned aggressive.
Activists have demanded a high-level investigation and strict action under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. They have also raised questions about whether mandatory forest department permissions and wildlife handling protocols were followed.
Forest officials were reportedly unavailable for comment regarding permits or oversight.
The tragic incident has intensified calls for humane and scientifically guided wildlife management practices to prevent such loss of life in the future.