Monkeys found dumped in sacks along NH-44 in Telangana, four die
HYDERABAD: Four monkeys died and two others are critical after around 100 monkeys were allegedly tranquillised and dumped along National Highway-44 near Anthampally village in Kamareddy district. Locals said the incident came to light on Wednesday.
Residents noticed monkeys emerging from sacks lying beside the highway and alerted police and forest officials. The animals appeared dizzy and disoriented, villagers said.
“It appears the monkeys were brought here in sacks and dumped early in the morning. No one noticed until around 15.00 IST, when monkeys started coming out,” said Ch Madhu Mohan Reddy, a resident of Anthampally village, about 1.5 km from the spot.
Reddy said villagers checked whether any nearby village had engaged monkey catchers. “We found that no nearby village had hired any catchers. It appears someone from outside Kamareddy brought the monkeys and abandoned them here,” he added.
Most of the monkeys reportedly ran away by Wednesday evening. Around eight to 10 animals remained unconscious. “Four monkeys died and two are critical. Two others ran away after being fed fruit and vegetables,” said V Manjula Sanjeev Reddy, sarpanch of Anthampally village.
She said forest and veterinary officials were informed immediately and a police complaint was lodged.
A veterinary doctor who visited the site said only basic treatment could be provided. “We do not know whether they were poisoned or tranquillised, and we cannot give treatment blindly,” said Dr Anil Reddy, veterinary assistant surgeon, Jangampally. He said he treated six monkeys, of which two later died, one remained critical and the others were stable.
Officials from the tahsildar’s office confirmed that monkeys were dumped near the highway and said an inquiry was under way. Teams from the police, forest and veterinary departments visited the site.
Police said no FIR had been registered so far. “There are no CCTV cameras in the area. We are checking footage from the nearby toll plaza to identify who brought the monkeys here. An investigation is on,” said D Narender, sub-inspector, Biknoor police station.
Animal rights activists urged authorities to act. “We are witnessing mass killings of animals almost every day. The police must investigate these incidents thoroughly and ensure those responsible are punished,” said Adulapuram Goutham of the Stray Animal Foundation of India.
