Encounter Atlas
In May 2001 people in New Delhi began reporting night attacks by a monkey-like creature. Descriptions varied wildly: some said it was about four feet tall with black hair, a metal helmet, metal claws, glowing red eyes and buttons on its chest; others described an eight-foot muscular figure that leapt between rooftops.
More than 350 sightings were reported and about 60 people said they were injured. Police released sketches, and at least two people died after falling from roofs or stairwells in panic. The scare faded after a few weeks.
Researchers treat it as a case of mass hysteria fuelled by summer power cuts, people sleeping on rooftops in the heat, and news coverage. A similar scare, the 'muhnochwa', hit Uttar Pradesh the next year.
What witnesses report
- A small, hairy, monkey-like attacker at night
- Metal claws or a helmet
- Leaping from roof to roof
- Scratches on victims
Famous cases
- 2001Monkey-man panic sweeps the city
New Delhi, India
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