Visitors and students have raised concerns about a grey langur frequently seen on the campus of Bhavan’s College and the surrounding areas in Andheri West. They have requested that the animal be safely captured, as its close interactions with people are increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflict and could endanger both the primate and the public. Photos of the langur approaching people and even sitting on someone’s shoulder have been circulated in the past few weeks.

An individual who works in a shop near the college told mid-day, “Initially, when the langur was seen in the vicinity, it used to maintain distance from humans and avoid getting close. For the past few days, it has started coming near humans, and it’s frightening. I have seen videos on social media where people have had negative interactions, leading to injuries. In the larger interest of animals and humans, this langur should be rescued and released into its original habitat.” Sources from the forest department said that efforts to rescue the langur, involving the NGO RAWW, are underway. However, the primate rarely stays put.