Pangode: Residents of Kakkanikkara, a settlement in Pangode Panchayat, are desperately seeking ways to protect themselves from raids by gangs of macaques that have been terrorizing the village.

In the past month alone, macaque attacks have been reported at more than 30 homes. In several instances, the monkeys have gained entry by forcing open sheets on the roof, causing significant damage and contaminating stored food in the kitchen. Locals also reported that the macaques have stolen children’s clothes from some households.

Although a complaint about the growing macaque menace was lodged with the Forest Department a week ago, no action has been taken so far. In response, a formal complaint has now been submitted to the Forest Minister, according to MM Shafi, president of the local body.

The macaque problem compounds the ongoing issues caused by wild pigs frequently raiding farms in the area, making life even more challenging for residents. In the complaint, the Panchayat president emphasised that the villagers have no other place to go if they are forced to vacate, and has urged that the macaques be captured using cages and relocated to deep forests.