India, June 13 -- MEERUT A series of brutal monkey killings in Bareilly's Qila area has drawn widespread public concern, including that of animal rights activist and former Union minister Maneka Gandhi. In just four days, 11 monkeys have been found dead with signs of severe physical assault, including broken skulls and deep bodily injuries. Authorities now suspect a planned and systematic extermination.

According to officials, the first set of five monkey carcasses was found on Monday in the Chawal Mandi area under Qila police station limits. The following days saw more grisly discoveries - four dead monkeys on Tuesday, one on Wednesday, and another on Thursday. All were found within the same vicinity, fuelling suspicions of a deliberate...