Villagers Accused of Shooting 17 Monkeys in Chhattisgarh, Forest Department Investigates

The Forest Department has initiated an investigation into the reported deaths of 18 to 19 monkeys in Chhattisgarh’s Bemetara district, with four decomposed carcasses recovered so far, according to a senior official.

A village panchayat representative claimed that two labourers hired by villagers to chase away the monkeys shot dead at least 17 of them. The representative, Sitaram Verma, accused the Forest Department of attempting to cover up the incident. However, a senior forest official disputed this claim, stating that the exact cause of death is still under investigation, with suspects being questioned.

The incident allegedly occurred on August 28 in Belgaon village when two labourers opened fire on a group of monkeys that had been causing trouble in the area. Some monkeys were also injured, Verma said. He further explained that a village meeting had been held to discuss measures to control the monkeys, which frequently invade homes and damage crops. Verma opposed the use of violence, citing the monkeys’ religious significance as symbols of Lord Hanuman.

According to Verma, state authorities were informed of the killings, but only visited the village on August 30 to conduct a panchnama. By then, several monkey carcasses had been scavenged by stray dogs. The Forest Department took away the remains of seven monkeys, including decomposed carcasses and skeletons. Verma provided authorities with video and photo evidence of 17 dead monkeys and demanded strict action against those responsible.

Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Chandrashekhar Pardeshi, who oversees the Bemetara area, confirmed the recovery of four monkey carcasses. He stated that further investigation is ongoing, with forensic samples collected, although postmortem examinations were not possible due to the advanced state of decomposition.

Pardeshi added that confirmation on the exact circumstances and timing of the incident is pending, and suspects are being questioned under the Wildlife Protection Act.