74 Monkey Carcasses Found in Siddipet, Killings by Electrocution, Poisoning Suspected

Hyderabad: Seventy-four carcasses of rhesus macaque monkeys were found in Mugadapa village of Siddipet on Saturday, in a suspected case of deliberate killings through electrocution and food poisoning, officials said.

K. Kiran Kumar, Gajwel forest range officer, told Deccan Chronicle, “Rhesus macaque are commonly found all over the southern states. As per the vets, 50 of the monkeys were killed due to electrocution and 20 were poisoned through food. This looks like the task of professionals. A case has been registered by the police and the forest department is also conducting an investigation in the matter. Those found guilty will not be spared.”

The killings were believed to have been carried out at a remote place and the carcasses dumped far away to avoid suspicion of foul play.

“Medical investigation suggests that the monkeys had been dead for not more than 24 hours, which indicates that the killing must have happened in a radius of 100-150 kms from the village where they were found. These monkeys are not listed as wild animals, therefore, Wildlife Act will not be applicable. However, action would be taken as per the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act,” the official said.