Arrests in India chimp probe

Arrests in India chimp probe

By Habib Beary
BBC reporter in Bangalore

Meena died after her arm was amputated

Four attendants at a zoo in the southern Indian city of Mysore have been arrested following an inquiry into the death of a popular chimpanzee.

Meena, who was 33, died last week after her gangrenous arm was amputated.

Police began investigations after zoo officials suspected foul play in the chimp's death.

They are investigating a possible plot by certain keepers to damage the zoo's reputation.

'Smear campaign'

Meena, brought from Sweden eight years ago, was in considerable pain after her right arm was crushed by the sliding door of her enclosure last week.

There seems to be a plan to discredit the zoo by members of our own staff

Kumar Pushkar, zoo director

Doctors amputated her arm after gangrene set in on the chimp's fingers, wrist and arm - but she died within 24 hours of the surgery.

Zoo director Kumar Pushkar said the inquiry was also looking into the recent deaths of two wild pigs and two Australian emus.

"Investigations are in full swing," said Mr Pushkar, who suspects that the chimpanzee was deliberately injured to discredit the state-run zoo.

The reason why anyone would want to injure Meena remains unclear.

The 110-year-old zoo attracts tourists from all over India.