Villagers in Telangana fined Rs 25,000 for chaining langurs

KARIMNAGAR: Officials from the forest department filed a case on Monday against villagers in Gangadhara village, Karimnagar district, following a complaint by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The villagers were accused of illegally keeping a Gray Langur, commonly known as Hanuman Langur, confined in a cage by chaining it.

Forest range officer Showkath Hussain stated that PETA alerted the forest officials about the villagers’ actions, which violate the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Under Schedule-II of the Act, it is illegal to capture, keep in captivity, or force wild animals to perform any acts. Offenders can face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both.

Upon receiving the complaint, the forest department registered a case and promptly rescued the langur. The animal underwent a health check-up before being released back into its natural habitat in the forest.

The villagers had confined the langur to deter monkeys, which were causing nuisance and occasionally harming residents. Despite their intentions, the authorities imposed a fine of ₹25,000 on the village, which was collected immediately along with a formal warning.

Sinchana Subramanyam, a representative from PETA, emphasised that Hanuman Langurs are social animals that live in groups, engage in grooming, playing, and are always vigilant to protect their families. She highlighted the importance of allowing these animals to live freely in their natural environments.

Further, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, capturing and using monkeys or langurs for exhibition or training is considered an offense and is punishable by law. The forest department reiterated its commitment to enforcing these laws to protect wildlife and prevent animal cruelty.