PETA India Calls for Arrest of Vellore Medical Students Who Allegedly Tortured, Raped, and Killed a Monkey

An anonymous concerned student at Christian Medical College–Vellore contacted PETA India on 21 November with a disturbing report, stating that four other students from the medical college tortured and killed a monkey on the college premises. PETA’s Emergency Response Coordinator, Meet Ashar, dispatched local animal-protection activists to the scene and had written to the college’s director, Dr Sunil Chandy, calling for the students’ permanent expulsion if found guilty and requesting that he work with the police to ensure that the culprits are punished to the fullest extent of the law. PETA also recommended that they receive psychiatric evaluation and counselling. PETA immediately received a response Dr Chandy stating, “Your suggestions will be taken. We will abide by whatever is instructed by the higher law and order authorities on the punitive measures required. Once again, assuring you of our co-operation in the conduct of this matter.”

Local animal-protection activists Antony Rubin, Shravan Krishnan, Dinesh Baba, and Nishant Nichu exhumed the monkey’s body. According to eyewitnesses, the female bonnet macaque wandered into the college’s hostel on 19 November, and the four medical students caught her using a blanket. A study of her body shows that they tied her by the hands, legs, and neck. They also thrashed her with sticks and belts, impaled her with a sharp object, broke her legs and jaw, raped her with a rod, and killed her.

The activists worked with the police to file a First Information Report at Bagayam Police Station. A case was registered under The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960; Section 429 of The Indian Penal Code; and relevant sections of The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

PETA notes that research in psychology and criminology shows that people who commit acts of cruelty to animals are often repeat offenders who move on to hurting other animals or humans.

You Can Help

Please urge the Superintendent of Police in Vellore, P. Pakalavan to arrest the accused by sending an email to [email protected].

Here’s how you can help animals who are abused: