Banki, Nov 27: Panic has swept through Singhanathpur village under Banki Tehsil in Cuttack district after a troop of aggressive monkeys injured six residents, a source said on Thursday.

The victims, who suffered bite injuries, were taken to the Sub-Divisional Hospital in Banki and later discharged. But fear continues to grip the village as the monkeys remain active in the area, roaming through narrow lanes and lunging at passersby.

Locals said repeated attempts to scare the animals away with sticks and loud noises have failed. The continued attacks have forced many residents -- especially children -- to stay indoors. Parents reported a sharp fall in school attendance as children are too scared to step out.

“We are afraid to let children go outside. The monkey has bitten six to seven people, and kids have stopped going to school. We request authorities to act immediately. The animal is so ruthless that even after being chased away, it keeps returning to attack,” said an elderly resident.

Villagers have urged the Forest Department to intervene without delay and capture the rogue monkeys before the situation escalates further.