Monkey pilfers 81,800 rupees at Shimla DC office, scatters notes from tree

A primate created chaos at the District Commissioner's office premises in Himachal Pradesh's capital on Monday when it snatched a substantial sum of cash from a visitor and scaled a nearby tree. The monkey, carrying approximately 81,800 rupees, proceeded to scatter the currency notes downward, prompting onlookers to attempt recovery of the scattered money.

The incident resulted in significant losses, with officials unable to account for more than 1,500 rupees of the stolen amount. Several five-hundred-rupee notes were torn or damaged during the animal's antics in the tree, further reducing the recoverable amount.

The episode highlights an ongoing problem in several Indian cities where wild monkeys enter government and commercial premises, posing risks to public safety and property. Shimla, situated in the Himalayan foothills, has long grappled with managing its substantial macaque population, which frequently ventures into populated areas in search of food.

Local authorities have not disclosed whether additional measures will be implemented to prevent similar incidents at the DC office complex or other vulnerable locations in the state capital.