In a surprising and rather unbelievable turn of events. A monkey managed to pull off a diamond heist worth ₹20 lakh at the renowned Banke Bihari Temple in Vrindavan. What was meant to be a serene and spiritual journey for a family turned into an unexpected adventure involving a wild monkey. Police intervention, and an eight-hour rescue mission. This unusual incident sheds light not only on the cleverness of monkeys in temple towns. But also on the challenges faced by devotees and local authorities.
The Incident Unfolds
The event took place outside the Banke Bihari Temple, one of the most revered and frequently visited shrines in Vrindavan. A diamond merchant and his family had come from Aligarh to seek blessings at the temple. After completing their prayers and stepping outside. They were headed toward their parked car when an unexpected and mischievous monkey snatched a handbag from the wife of the merchant.
The bag was not just any regular purse—it contained diamond jewelry valued at approximately ₹20 lakh. In a matter of seconds, the monkey grabbed the bag and darted off into the nearby trees. Shocking the woman and alarming passersby who witnessed the act.
Chaos Among Devotees
As news of the incident spread among the people nearby, a crowd quickly gathered. Several individuals attempted to lure the monkey with food. While others shouted or clapped in hopes of startling it into dropping the bag. But the monkey, appearing to understand the value of what it had taken—or perhaps just enjoying the chase—remained elusive.
The family was understandably devastated, watching helplessly as the monkey vanished with their valuable possessions. The atmosphere, which had just moments earlier been filled with chants and prayers, suddenly turned into one of confusion and disbelief.
Police Called In
Realizing the gravity of the situation, the family immediately approached the local police. Officers responded quickly and reviewed nearby CCTV footage from temple shops and security cameras. The recordings confirmed what the family had reported. A monkey had indeed grabbed the handbag and disappeared into a dense area of trees near the temple complex.
What followed was an eight-hour operation involving both local police and a few temple staff who were familiar with the area and the behavior of the local monkeys. The challenge was not only to recover the bag but to do so without provoking the animal. Which could potentially damage the contents or disappear entirely.
The Search Operation
For hours, the search continued through rooftops, alleyways, and clusters of trees. Officers scanned the surroundings with flashlights, hoping to spot any sign of the monkey or the stolen bag. It was only in the late evening, when most people had lost hope, that a breakthrough came.
A group of officers noticed some movement in a thicket of bushes not far from the temple’s rear entrance. Upon approaching cautiously, they spotted the monkey, still holding the bag but beginning to lose interest. Using fruits and snacks as bait, they managed to draw the monkey away and finally retrieved the handbag without causing harm to the animal.
A Joyful Ending
When the police returned the bag to the family, they opened it with trembling hands, unsure of what to expect. To their utter relief, all of the diamond jewelry was intact—undamaged and untouched. There were no missing items, and even the smaller pieces, such as rings and earrings, remained where they had been placed.
The merchant and his wife expressed deep gratitude to the local police and temple volunteers. Praising their determination and careful approach throughout the search. While visibly shaken by the ordeal, the family was overjoyed by the happy ending and the return of their precious belongings.
Growing Monkey Menace
Though the story had a positive resolution, it has reignited serious discussions around the growing monkey menace in religious towns like Vrindavan. Locals and pilgrims alike have often complained of monkeys stealing food, mobile phones, sunglasses, and even purses. In many cases, they demand food in exchange for the return of the stolen items.
The situation has worsened in recent years due to increasing urbanization and the loss of forested habitats, leading monkeys to become more dependent on human settlements for survival. Devotees feeding monkeys—often as part of religious rituals—has only encouraged their boldness. As a result, these animals have become fearless and sometimes even aggressive.
Need for Action
Authorities have acknowledged the need for a long-term solution. Ideas like installing monkey-proof fencing, discouraging public feeding, improving waste management, and relocating aggressive monkey troops to forest areas have been suggested.
Temple towns such as Vrindavan attract millions of tourists annually, and it is vital to ensure their safety and the sanctity of these sacred places. Without sustainable wildlife management policies, such incidents may become increasingly common.
Final Thoughts
The story of a monkey stealing ₹20 lakh worth of diamonds might sound like the plot of a comedy film, but for one family, it was a tense and nerve-wracking experience. Thanks to quick police action and the resilience of those involved, the episode concluded on a positive note. However, it also highlights an urgent need for better coexistence strategies between humans and animals in temple towns.
As India continues to balance faith, tradition, and modern challenges, events like these remind us of the unpredictable surprises that life can throw at us—even from a monkey sitting on a temple wall.
