Alleged Monkey Kidnappers Arrested
The five alleged culprits who were secretly filmed kidnapping a monkey last week from Varandha Ghat (outside Pune) in Maharashtra were caught by forest officials earlier this week in Bhor, Maharashtra, after spending 10 days on the run.
PETA had reported the crime to the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, and the Maharashtra Forest Department subsequently registered a Preliminary Offence Report regarding the matter. Since then, PETA has been in constant contact with forest officials.
All five of the accused appeared in front of the Bhor Taluka Court and were sent to jail on a 24-hour judicial remand. The traumatised monkey is now under the care of forest authorities and will soon be returned to Varandha Ghat.
The incident came to light when a video went viral on social media showing men capturing a monkey in front of the animal’s helpless family members and placing her inside a Hyundai i20. The car’s Maharashtra licence plate was easily visible. PETA hopes authorities will determine whether these men were part of a larger wildlife crime racket.
How You Can Help
Contact PETA if you witness cruelty to any animal, and document the abuse if you can. Your action can help nab culprits, save lives and keep animal families together.
