Monkey Tragedy Unfolds Near Hyderabad Highway
In a disturbing incident that has shocked animal lovers and local residents, four monkeys have died and two others are fighting for their lives after approximately 100 primates were allegedly tranquilized and abandoned along National Highway-44 near Anthampally village in Kamareddy district. This comes shortly after similar reports of dog deaths in the Hyderabad region, raising serious concerns about animal welfare in the area.
Early Morning Discovery by Alert Villagers
The grim discovery was made on Wednesday morning when local residents noticed unusual activity near the highway. According to eyewitness accounts, monkeys began emerging from sacks that had been left abandoned near the road, appearing disoriented and struggling to move normally.
"We first noticed something was wrong around 3 pm when monkeys started coming out of sacks near the highway," explained Ch Madhu Mohan Reddy, a resident of Anthampally village located approximately 1.5 kilometers from the incident site. "They looked completely dizzy and disoriented, unable to walk properly or respond to their surroundings."
Reddy immediately alerted fellow villagers who began checking whether any local communities had hired monkey catchers recently. Their investigation revealed that no nearby villages had engaged any such services, suggesting the animals were brought from outside the Kamareddy district specifically to be abandoned at this location.
Critical Condition and Veterinary Response
By Wednesday evening, most of the monkeys had managed to escape into nearby areas, but approximately eight to ten animals remained unconscious at the site. The situation quickly turned tragic as four of these primates succumbed to their condition, while two others were reported to be in critical condition.
"Of the monkeys that remained, four have died and two are critical," confirmed V Manjula Sanjeev Reddy, sarpanch of Anthampally village. "Two others managed to run away after villagers provided them with fruits and vegetables."
Forest department officials and veterinary authorities were immediately notified about the incident. Dr. Anil Reddy, veterinary assistant surgeon from Jangampally who responded to the emergency, described the challenging circumstances facing the medical team.
"We treated six monkeys with basic energy-boosting medicines, but without knowing whether they were poisoned or tranquilized, we cannot administer specific treatments blindly," explained Dr. Reddy. "Of those we treated, two later died, one remains critical, and the others are currently stable."
The veterinary doctor advised local residents to continue providing food and care to the affected animals while medical professionals monitor their condition.
Multi-Agency Investigation Launched
Officials from multiple government departments have confirmed that an investigation is underway into the disturbing incident. Representatives from the tahsildar's office verified that monkeys were indeed dumped near the highway and that authorities are working to determine responsibility.
Police, forest department officials, and veterinary teams have all visited the site to gather evidence and assess the situation. However, law enforcement authorities have revealed that no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered yet due to limited evidence.
"There are no CCTV cameras in the immediate area where the dumping occurred," stated D Narender, sub-inspector at Biknoor police station. "We are currently checking footage from the nearby toll plaza to identify the vehicle or individuals who brought the monkeys here. Our investigation is ongoing."
Animal Rights Activists Demand Action
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from animal welfare organizations across the region. Activists are calling for thorough investigations into not only this monkey dumping case but also recent reports of dog deaths in Hyderabad.
"We are witnessing mass killings of animals almost every day lately," expressed Adulapuram Goutham of the Stray Animal Foundation of India. "The police must investigate these incidents thoroughly and ensure that those responsible face appropriate legal consequences. This pattern of animal cruelty cannot continue unchecked."
The proximity of this incident to Hyderabad has raised particular concerns, as the city has recently seen increased attention on animal welfare issues. The dumping location along a major national highway suggests the perpetrators may have been attempting to dispose of the animals far from urban centers where they might be noticed.
Local residents remain shaken by the incident, with many expressing concern about the welfare of the surviving monkeys and calling for stronger protections for wildlife in the region. The forest department continues to monitor the area for any additional affected animals while police pursue leads in their investigation.
