testing Eleven monkeys – Eleven monkeys, including two langurs, have been found dead in a forest area in Tumakuru over the past two days, officials said on Monday (January 5, 2026). The bodies of nine monkeys and two langurs were found scattered within a radius of 200 to 500 meters in Devarayadurga-Durgadahalli forest area of ​​Tumakuru taluk, he said.

After the matter came to light, forest officials reached the spot on Friday (January 2, 2026) evening and more dead monkeys were discovered again on Saturday (January 2, 2026) morning. A senior forest official said, post-mortem examination was conducted and prima facie findings suggest suspected food poisoning, as rice was found in the esophagus and intestines of the animals.

He said the mouth and neck parts of the animals appeared to be blue in colour, raising the suspicion of poisoning due to alleged consumption of rotten leftover food. However, officials ruled out any immediate signs of the disease and said the exact cause of death would be confirmed only after laboratory analysis. The viscera samples have been sent to a laboratory in Bengaluru and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for detailed examination, the official said, adding the report is expected soon.

Officials said further action will be taken based on the findings, while surveillance has been intensified in the area to prevent any recurrence.