Telangana: Panic in Zaheerabad as Langurs attack residents across colonies
A pack of aggressive langurs has injured multiple residents across Zaheerabad town, sparking panic in at least 10 colonies. With CCTV footage confirming unprovoked attacks, locals demand immediate forest department action, warning of protests if the animals aren't relocated safely
Sangareddy: A pack of langurs that strayed into Zaheerabad town has unleashed a biting spree in eight to ten residential colonies, leaving citizens seriously injured. Unlike regular monkeys, the langurs have been causing severe wounds to victims, attacking them without provocation.
Dozens of incidents have been reported in Shanthi Nagar, Housing Board Colony, Santoshi Mata Mandir Colony, Bagareddy Colony, Gandhi Nagar and neighbouring areas. Following complaints from residents, BRS leaders P Rakesh and Bandi Mohan submitted a representation to the municipal commissioner, forest range officer and other officials. District Forest Officer Ch Sridhar Rao and his team later inspected the colonies and collected details from the residents. However, citizens said no concrete assurance came from either forest or municipal officers.
Speaking to ‘Telangana Today‘, Rakesh said residents were living in fear and avoided stepping out of their homes as langurs attacked without warning. “Most of the time, people are forced to walk carrying a stick,” he said. CCTV footage has captured several attacks. Mohan added that children no longer play in the streets and many adults have given up their morning and evening walks.
Jeevarathnam, a resident of Gandhi Nagar who was injured in an attack, appealed to the forest department to capture the langurs and relocate them safely to forest areas. Even vegetable and fruit vendors are avoiding the colonies after witnessing the attacks.
Recently, two patients visiting the area hospital in Zaheerabad were attacked by langurs and had to be admitted for treatment. Residents said while stray dogs and monkeys had caused problems in the past, this was the first time Zaheerabad had witnessed multiple langur attacks. On Wednesday, too, at least two more persons were injured.
Frustrated with official inaction, residents warned they would lay siege to the collectorate if their demand for a solution to the langur menace was ignored.
