Monkey menace triggers panic in Cuttack's Niali, injuring over 15; schoolchildren skip classes

A wave of panic has swept through Sarakora village under Phulanakhara forest range in Niali locality of Cuttack district after repeated attacks by an aggressive monkey. Over the past three days, the animal has been creating chaos in the village, damaging doors, rooftops and household structures, sources said on Friday.

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More than 15 villagers have been injured in separate incidents, with six of them in critical condition and shifted to Cuttack’s SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) for advanced treatment.

The persistent attacks have forced many schoolchildren to skip their classes. Teachers are reportedly conducting classes behind locked doors for the few students who manage to attend, as fear of another monkey assault looms large.

Residents concerned have demanded immediate intervention from the Forest Department to trap the monkey before the situation worsens further. In response, forest officials have assured that measures are being taken urgently and that the animal will be brought under control soon.

“An aggressive monkey is roaming on the rooftops. The wild animal is overpowering, biting and attacking whoever is coming to the front. More than 15 people have been injured in the monkey attack,” a resident, Rajendra Dalai, said.

“Around six of them are critically injured and undergoing treatment in Cuttack’s SCB Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH). We demand that forest personnel capture the monkey and take it away from here,” Rajendra Dalai expressed.

“Scared of the monkey attack, most villagers are remaining in their closed doors. We, the male members, are roaming around with lathis (large wooden batons) in our hands. As a result, agricultural activities have been stalled,” the resident added.