Newborn snatched by monkey found dead

Bhubaneswar: A pall of gloom descended upon Talabasta village in Banki after body of the newborn boy, who was earlier snatched by a monkey from his parents, was recovered from a well on Sunday.

According to reports, a few locals had spotted the body of the 16-day-old newborn floating in the well when they had gone to fetch water from it.

It is suspected that the newborn might have 'slipped' from the clutches of the monkey and subsequently died after falling into the well.

As the possibility of some foul play cannot be ruled out as the newborn had some congenital disorders, police have sent the body to Banki hospital for an autopsy.

"As the mother of the newborn had claimed that her baby was lifted by the monkey, there is no question of suspecting anything," said a neighbour.

Earlier, a monkey had alleged snatched the newborn boy who was sleeping with his parents inside thier house in the wee hours on Saturday.

Later, a massive rescue operation was launched by police, personnel of fire services and local residents to trace the monkey and the newborn.

However, the newborn could not be traced till late on Saturday night.