In a startling incident outside Vrindavan's revered Banke Bihari Temple, a monkey snatched a handbag containing jewellery valued at ₹20 lakh from a visiting devotee. The theft occurred amidst the bustling crowd of worshippers, highlighting the ongoing challenges posed by monkey mischief in temple towns.

Local police responded swiftly, managing to recover the valuable items. This incident underscores the effectiveness and prompt action of the authorities in addressing unexpected wildlife-human interactions in crowded spiritual destinations.

Vrindavan has witnessed similar episodes in the past. In 2015, a monkey snatched a purse containing ₹1.5 lakh in cash from a devotee and threw the money into the air, causing a frenzy among onlookers. In another instance, a monkey stole an iPhone from a visitor and returned it only after being offered a pack of Frooti as a bribe. 

These incidents highlight the growing concern over the increasing brazenness of monkeys in urban and semi-urban religious settings. Authorities and local communities are urged to implement better management strategies to ensure the safety of both devotees and wildlife in these sacred spaces.