18 monkeys shot dead in Chhattisgarh village; authorities launch probe amid outrage

RAIPUR: In a shocking and gruesome incident, approximately 18 monkeys were shot dead with muzzle-loading guns in Belgaon village in Bemetara district, located about 70 kilometres from the state capital. The carcasses of these monkeys were reportedly left at the scene, with some animals still clinging to life in extreme agony.
"The incident occurred on August 28, when around 18 monkeys were shot dead.The villagers have killed the innocent animals," Panch of Belgaon panchayat Sitaram Verma told TOI. He further added that the forest department team only arrived at the village on Sunday after being informed of the incident. “I will register an FIR in the police station,” he said. The panch alleged that a few villagers had hired two people from a hunting community to protect their crops from monkeys, and in return, they gave them rice. The hunters killed the monkeys with their muzzle-loading guns.
Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Durg Forest Division, Chandrashekhar Pardeshi, stated that the exact number of monkeys that died in the incident is yet to be confirmed. "Some of the carcasses have been partially consumed by stray dogs. We are currently collecting the remaining skeletons and carcasses, which will be sent for post-mortem examination. An investigation is ongoing, and we will be able to confirm the exact number of monkeys that died once it is completed," the DFO told TOI.
When questioned about the legal provisions for action against those responsible, the DFO explained that under the Wildlife Protection Act, the accused could face up to three years of imprisonment and a fine of Rs 25,000. "We have not yet identified the perpetrators," he added.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the motive behind this horrific act was crop damage. Some local farmers, reportedly frustrated by the losses caused by the monkeys, may have hired someone to kill the animals. The DFO cautioned that taking the law into one's own hands is a serious offence under the Wildlife Protection Act. "If necessary, we will seek the assistance of local police to ensure that justice is served," he stated.
Meanwhile, the incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about wildlife protection and human-animal conflict in the region. Authorities are under pressure to swiftly identify the culprits and bring them to justice. “We will continue to organise awareness programmes on wildlife conservation to avoid such incidents in future,” the DFO said.