Laloo breaks law, feeds monkeys in Shimla

There is a state government ban on feeding monkeys in public places, including highways.

Defying local laws, Railway Minister Lalu Prasad fed black gram to a crowd of monkeys at the popular hill resort of Shimla with no one daring to question his apparently unlawful act.

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The incident took place late Friday when the minister visited a popular hilltop temple here.

On his way out, he scattered black gram for the monkeys who came chatting down from the surrounding Deodar trees to merrily feed on the generous helpings doled out to them.

Laloo was accompanied by his wife Rabri Devi and his children. His security officials and policemen watched until the simians finished their meal.

There is a state government ban on feeding monkeys in public places, including highways. Besides, titbits offered by humans, often including junk food, encourage monkeys to abandon their natural forest food.

Hoardings all over the monkey-infested resort and the busy Kalka-Shimla mountain highway warn people against feeding the monkeys as it could invite a fine of Rs 500.

Of course, no official dared to question the powerful minister for this 'unlawful' act.