Rogue monkey bites 43 over 2 days in Maharashtra village

KOLHAPUR: A rogue monkey has turned Solankur village in Radhanagari tehsil into a zone of fear, attacking 43 people in just two days as multiple rescue teams scramble, so far unsuccessfully, to trap the animal.The monkey has been on a biting spree, injuring 23 people on Saturday and another 20 on Sunday. It often targets passers-by and triggers panic among villagers who now fear it may be rabid. Those bitten are being administered rabies shots.Despite the presence of the Wildlife Rapid Rescue Team (WRRT), forest department officials, Kolhapur Disaster Rescue Force and veterinarians, the monkey continues to evade capture.Range forest officer Vishal Patil said, “Three teams of the forest department, veterinary officers from Kolhapur, Radhanagari and Gargoti are camped there to catch the monkey that has been in Solankur for three days. As per the guidance of senior officials, more experts will soon be called to the spot to trap the monkey and take care of it.”Officials said the animal is highly aggressive, frequently making loud noises while jumping rapidly between trees.The forest department officials have urged people to stay indoors and avoid provoking the animal. Veterinary officer Santosh Walvekar said, “Villagers should not create any kind of disturbance. They should cooperate by closing their doors. The monkey will be trapped soon.”