Daijiworld Media Network - Vrindavan

Vrindavan, Jun 8: In a bizarre turn of events that underlines the growing simian menace in the holy town of Vrindavan, a monkey snatched a handbag containing diamond jewellery worth over Rs 20 lac from a visiting devotee near the famed Thakur Banke Bihari temple.

The victim, Aligarh-based diamond merchant Abhishek Agarwal, was with his family during a temple visit on Friday when the incident took place. The monkey struck while the family was heading towards their parked car after offering prayers. In a flash, the monkey grabbed the handbag from Agarwal's hand and fled, leaving the family shocked and helpless.

Despite trying various tricks offering food and trying to lure the monkey Agarwal failed to retrieve the bag. Left with no option, he approached the local police for help.

Circle Officer (Sadar) Sandeep Singh said that the police team identified and tracked the monkey after hours of effort. "We managed to corner the monkey after an eight-hour operation and recovered the bag safely," he informed.

The incident once again brings focus to the unchecked monkey population in the Mathura-Vrindavan region, which continues to trouble pilgrims and tourists alike. Authorities say steps are being taken to curb the menace, but incidents like these show that the challenge remains.