The Mathura police have taken action against two individuals, including a 34-year-old Ukrainian national and a local priest, in connection with the alleged shooting of 11 monkeys using an airgun. The Ukrainian, who was reportedly living at an ashram with the priest, has been identified as Igrom, although he claims to have adopted the name Brij Sunder Das.
According to Additional Superintendent of Police Trigun Bisen, a panel of veterinarians has conducted a postmortem on the deceased monkeys, and the results are pending. A formal complaint was filed at the Govardhan police station following allegations made by a resident of Anyaur village, Madhav, who witnessed the incident. The complainant stated that the priest and Igrom were targeting monkeys in the area and allegedly threatened residents who voiced their objections.
During the investigation, the police have detained Igrom for questioning. The Station House Officer reported that Igrom defended his actions by claiming that he merely intended to scare the monkeys, which he said had been causing disruptions at the ashram. The priest, identified only as Jankidas, has reportedly evaded capture and is currently on the run.
Igrom has been a frequent visitor to India for over a decade and arrived on a one-year work visa in July of the previous year. The police have registered charges against him under multiple sections, including BNS section 325 for mischief involving animal harm and section 351 for criminal intimidation, in addition to invoking the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The incident has sparked protests from local residents who are demanding accountability for the killing of the monkeys. The Mahant Janki Das temple, where the ashram is located, has become a focal point of community outrage, with residents expressing their distress over the violence against the local wildlife.
In light of these events, the Mathura police continue their investigation into the matter, with a firm commitment to uphold animal rights and ensure justice for the deceased monkeys. The case has drawn attention to the need for increased awareness regarding the protection of wildlife and the ethical treatment of animals, particularly in areas where human and animal interactions occur.
As the community looks for answers and justice, the situation raises important questions about the coexistence of humans and wildlife in urban settings, as well as the responsibilities that come with both habitation and tourism in natural areas.
Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/lucknow/ukraine-man-ashram-priest-booked-for-up-monkey-deaths-9986699/
Category : Cities,Lucknow
Tags:
Publish Date: 2025-05-07 00:35:00
