NEW DELHI: In a tragic incident in Hathras, over 145 monkeys perished after inhaling a toxic pesticide sprayed in a Food Corporation of India (FCI) godown. The monkeys, who entered the warehouse through a broken window on the night of November 7, were exposed to aluminum phosphide, a chemical used to fumigate wheat sacks to protect them from insects and rodents. When workers opened the warehouse on November 9, they discovered the dead monkeys but did not inform their superiors. Instead, they buried the bodies in a pit to avoid repercussions.
The incident came to light when local Vishv Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders were tipped off, prompting an investigation. Circle Officer Yogendra Krishna Narayan stated that the police were informed about the deaths on Wednesday. Subsequently, a team of veterinarians exhumed the bodies for postmortem on Friday. The bodies were found in a late stage of decay, confirming the tragic loss of life.
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The police have registered a case against the employees of the FCI under sections 286 (negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances) and 291 (continuance of nuisance after injunction to discontinue) of the Indian Penal Code. Additionally, provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act have been invoked. The investigation is ongoing to determine the full extent of negligence and to hold those responsible accountable.
Neeraj Sharma, manager of the godown said that monkeys are the daily issue here. “There’s no way to say how many exactly live in Hathras, but I can say that over a hundred plague the godown daily,” he said. “I feel terrible for what the monkeys went through… they were simply looking out for their survival, for food to eat. How could they know this would happen?”
This incident highlights the need for stricter safety protocols and better management practices in warehouses to prevent such tragedies in the future. The use of hazardous chemicals like aluminium phosphide must be carefully monitored, and proper measures should be taken to ensure the safety of both humans and animals. The authorities are urged to take swift action to prevent similar incidents and to ensure justice for the innocent lives lost.