Three Macaques Trapped in Bhandup After Attacking 25 Residents Over Two Months

Three adult male rhesus macaques that repeatedly attacked residents and spread panic in the Khindipada area of Bhandup have been captured by the Thane Forest Department. The neighbourhood is situated directly adjacent to the boundary of Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

The capture operation was carried out by forest officials with assistance from the Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA) and researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society-India (WCS-India). The action ended a two-month ordeal for residents who had faced constant aggression from the animals.

At least 25 to 30 people, including young children, were attacked over the two-month period along roads in and around Khindipada. The recurrent encounters on local streets had created widespread fear among local families and pedestrians.

Range Forest Officer Santosh Dagale confirmed that the department had received multiple formal complaints regarding macaque attacks directed at young children and passersby in the area.

Before the trapping operation was successfully concluded, local residents had submitted a formal letter to the forest department urging intervention and highlighting the severe threat the animals posed to the community.