Basta: At least 12 people were injured in simian attacks at Kulida panchyat under Basta block in Balasore district. Villagers said more than 50 monkeys in villages like Tentulia, Kulida and Agruda are creating problems for them.
The injured included Kamala Behrea, Subhalaxmi Bej, Mitu Behera Rashmita Behera, among others. While the seriously injured were rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, those with minor injuries were admitted to Basta hospital.
The locals were so scared of the monkeys that students have stopped going to schools. Villagers preferred to stay indoors to having had to go out on emergency work.
“When I was going to the market, monkeys suddenly attacked me. They were so fierce that I could not go ahead and returned home. Everyone in the village is scared of the monkeys. So much so that people have stopped stepping outside of their homes,” said a villager.
Though the forest department has been informed, no steps have been taken by the department yet.
PNN