14 May,2015 08:30 AM IST | | Sharad Vyas
Residents at two high-rises have been held to ransom by group of young monkeys on the rampage; height of the buildings is no problem for primates, but has been major stumbling block for fire brigade
Monkeys
Monkeys have created havoc at two posh high-rises in Chembur, striking terror into the hearts of the residents, who have now locked their doors and windows, with some even refusing to step out of their homes. While the group of young monkeys have no problem scaling the 15 and 14-storeyed buildings, the height is a major impediment for the fire brigade that tried, and failed, to capture the simians.
A group of monkeys have been stealing food from the kitchen, snatching clothes, breaking air conditioning units, and causing other damage. Since they are tiny, they can easily enter the apartments from the window grills.
For the past two days, the monkeys have been on the rampage at Hari Kunj Society and Chembur Heights, stealing food from the kitchens, snatching clothes, breaking air conditioning units, and causing other damage. Thankfully, no one has been hurt yet, but locals are getting increasingly desperate to rid themselves of the menace.
The buildings are located in Sindhi Society, Chembur. The resdients have been unable to get help from the municipal corporation, fire brigade or forest officials. "We contacted the fire brigade but they were unable to help, next we tried the forest department and local police, but no one is bothered about this problem. The monkeys have reached up to the 15th floor of our society, and are snatching food and milk packets from the kitchen and breaking other stuff," said chairman of Hari Kunj CHS, K Chandrasekaran.
Senior fire officials said they tried to help the residents but the height of the buildings was a constraint. According to them, the monkeys are very young and were probably stranded after getting separated from their families. "Since they are tiny, they are able to enter the apartments from the window grills very easily. We don't want to harm them but have to stop them from causing any more damage," said a senior fire official.
Residentspeak
"They have been a nuisance in my kitchen but nobody seems to be bothered. Every single agency we have called since past two days has washed their hands off saying it is not their responsibility to solve this problem. We don't know what to do with these monkeys now and are living in fear," said Dilip Khatke, a resident of Hari Kunj.
And here are some other 'monkey menace' stories...
South Mumbai housing society turns into planet of the apes
Monkey menace in Mumbai's residential buildings
Mumbai: Monkey business irks Andheri residents
