Patna: Residents of three villages in Bihar’s Bihta block are living in fear as a troop of aggressive monkeys has taken over their homes and streets following the loss of their natural habitat. The primates, displaced by the felling of trees for a road widening project, have reportedly injured several people and disrupted daily life in Kishunpur, Moharrampur and Bedouli villages, home to a combined population of around 5,000.
The situation, simmering for over a year, has worsened in the past six months. Villagers say women and children are the worst affected. “There’s fear all around. People avoid stepping out unless absolutely necessary,” said local resident Jitendra Kumar Singh. His brother suffered a broken leg while fleeing an attack.
Another villager, Mantu Pandey from Kishunpur, traced the issue back to the construction of the Danapur-Bihta elevated road. “The roadside trees were cut for the project, and the monkeys that lived there came into our villages. Several people have been injured and are receiving treatment in Patna,” he said.
The panic has prompted some families to consider leaving the area altogether. Pintu Singh, a resident of Bedouli, has reportedly made plans to shift to Lucknow with his family.
Despite repeated complaints to the Patna district administration and forest department, locals say no concrete action has been taken. Patna Divisional Forest Officer Gaurav Ojha acknowledged the issue, noting, “This species of red monkey does not fall under our jurisdiction. Still, we will send officers to assess the situation. Cages may be installed and efforts will be made to drive the monkeys away.” He also urged villagers to avoid direct contact with the animals.
The monkeys’ arrival is believed to be directly linked to the clearing of dozens of trees in Bedouli and nearby Sikandarpur to make way for the road. With their natural shelter gone, the monkeys have moved into nearby human settlements in search of food and refuge.
