A two-month-old infant has died in Sitapur, Uttar Pradesh, after being seized by a troop of monkeys in what villagers describe as an alarming escalation of primate aggression.
Local sources said the child was snatched from his bed while his parents were engaged in household chores. Moments later, his disappearance sparked panic. His faint cries were traced to a rooftop, where he was discovered submerged in a water drum.
He was rushed to hospital but was confirmed dead on arrival. Police have since launched an investigation, with the body sent for a post-mortem examination.
Residents lamented that the menace of monkeys has become a daily nightmare. “These animals are dangerous, and people live in fear. Authorities must act before more lives are lost,” one villager said.
This incident mirrors a chilling episode in 2022 when another infant was dragged from a terrace and thrown into a water tank by monkeys. At the time, wildlife experts suggested the possibility of a grieving female monkey mistaking the baby for her own.
Experts warn that monkey-related attacks are not uncommon across Asia and Africa. In Eastern India, a grey langur once broke into a railway office and mimicked officials at their desks. In Tanzania, a newborn was reportedly taken from his mother while she was breastfeeding outdoors. In China, disturbing footage emerged in 2022 showing a toddler dragged by her hair by a monkey while riding her scooter.
The Sitapur tragedy has reignited calls for decisive government intervention. Villagers are urging authorities to adopt stronger measures to contain the growing threat and prevent further loss of innocent lives.
