Thane, March 26 Forest authorities have launched an investigation into two cases of monkeys injured by arrows in the Yeoor forest in Thane district, Maharashtra, and have announced a reward of ₹25,000 for information leading to the identification of the perpetrators, officials said on Thursday.
The two bonnet macaque monkeys were found to have been targeted in a similar manner within a span of two days recently, with arrows piercing their necks and jaws, a forest department release on Wednesday stated.
The injured animals were rescued by wildlife welfare experts and provided with immediate medical treatment.
A reward of ₹25,000 will be given to anyone providing credible information about the perpetrators, the forest department said.
"We have formed three teams to trace the perpetrators. CCTV footage is being examined, and all possible leads are being pursued. Strict action will be taken against the perpetrators under the Wildlife Protection Act," an official said.
Two cases were registered on March 20 and 22 against unidentified persons under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, the release said.