Ferry ghat owner suspected of poisoning 10 monkeys with pesticide-laced bananas

In the village of Shakhai, Ketugram, 10 monkeys were found dead over the course of two days, with their bodies discovered scattered in various locations. The deaths have caused alarm among local residents, who reported seeing the bodies of the monkeys in a state of decomposition, with some stating that the monkeys’ eyes were not visible. Local authorities were notified of the incident shortly after the bodies were found.

The Forest Department responded to the reports and initiated an investigation into the cause of the deaths. Based on initial observations, the Forest Department suspected poisoning as the cause, as no physical injuries were found on the bodies of the monkeys. The department focused its inquiry on Sagar Das, a local ferry ghat owner, after learning that he may have used poisoned food to deal with the monkey population in his area.

Sagar Das, the owner of the ferry ghat at Katwa Shakhai, has been accused of lacing bananas with pesticide and placing them in his mustard fields. According to the allegations, Das used the pesticide-treated bananas in an attempt to deter monkeys from damaging his crops. The monkeys are believed to have eaten the poisoned bananas, which led to their deaths. The Forest Department gathered evidence from the area and identified the use of pesticides near the scene.

In response to the accusations, Sagar Das denied intentionally poisoning the monkeys. He stated that the pesticide was only applied to his mustard fields to control pests and was not intended to harm the animals. Das claimed that he had been using pesticides in his fields for years without incident. He also denied that any monkey bodies were found within his property, saying that the allegations against him were politically motivated.

Following the allegations, the Forest Department filed an FIR against Sagar Das for suspected poisoning. He has been summoned by the Katwa Forest Department for questioning as part of the investigation. The investigation is ongoing, with the authorities seeking to determine whether the deaths of the monkeys were due to the poisoned food or if another cause contributed to the fatalities.

The bodies of the deceased monkeys were sent to the Ramna Bagan in Burdwan for post-mortem examination. The examination will help the authorities determine the exact cause of death and confirm whether poisoning was involved. Meanwhile, the Forest Department, along with local police, is monitoring the remaining monkeys in the area to prevent any further incidents. Both agencies are continuing to investigate the case.