A shocking incident unfolded near the Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan on Thursday, June 6, 2025, when a monkey snatched a bag containing jewellery worth ₹20 lakh from a devotee. The incident highlights the ongoing menace of monkeys in the area and the challenges faced by pilgrims visiting the temple.
Abhishek Agarwal, a resident of Aligarh, had come to Vrindavan with his family for darshan at the Banke Bihari Temple. As they were leaving the temple, near the exit, a monkey suddenly appeared and snatched the handbag from Agarwal's wife before disappearing into the labyrinthine maze of narrow lanes and ancient structures surrounding the temple. The woman had removed her jewellery and placed it inside the bag while visiting the temple.
The incident caused immediate panic, as the bag contained valuable jewellery, including chains, bangles, earrings, and other precious ornaments, collectively valued at ₹20 lakh. The family had reportedly brought the jewellery for a function. Agarwal immediately sought help from locals, but they were unable to locate the monkey.
The Banke Bihari outpost in-charge, Prashant Kapil, promptly launched a search operation. Utilizing CCTV footage and local intelligence, the police managed to trace the bag to a bush in a nearby area. Fortunately, the jewellery was found intact, and the bag was returned to the relieved owner. Agarwal expressed his gratitude to the Vrindavan police and credited Lord Banke Bihari for the safe return of his valuables.
Circle Officer (Sadar) Sandeep Kumar Singh acknowledged the severity of the situation, stating that there was initially no trace of the monkey or the stolen bag. The successful recovery was attributed to the swift action and coordinated efforts of the police team.
The incident has once again brought the issue of monkey menace in Vrindavan to the forefront. The lanes leading to the Banke Bihari Temple are notorious for monkey activity, with the animals often snatching belongings from unsuspecting devotees. Locals have reported that monkeys frequently steal mobile phones, glasses, and food items.
In light of this incident, concerns have been raised regarding the safety and security measures in place for pilgrims visiting the temple. Devotees have urged the temple administration to implement more effective strategies to manage the monkey population and prevent such incidents from recurring. The police have also advised pilgrims to remain vigilant and avoid carrying valuables openly in the temple area, especially taking extra precaution with children and elderly individuals.
Authorities often take special precautions during VVIP visits. Security personnel are armed with slingshots, and 'langoor' monkeys are sometimes deployed as deterrents. Cloth is also draped along the lanes to prevent monkeys from making eye contact with high-profile guests, as this is believed to provoke them. While these measures are implemented during VIP visits, there is a growing need for consistent and comprehensive strategies to protect all visitors from monkey-related incidents.
