A newlywed woman lost her life after falling from a hill while feeding monkeys near a temple in India’s Tamil Nadu state, according to local media reports.
The victim, identified as 24-year-old Anita, had married 29-year-old Suresh just last month. Suresh, who works overseas, had recently returned home, and the couple visited a local temple to perform religious rituals following their marriage.
According to reports, the couple completed their prayers before heading to a hilltop area near the temple, where visitors often feed monkeys. While offering fruit to the animals, several monkeys reportedly gathered around them within a short period.
The sudden movement of the monkeys allegedly frightened Anita, causing her to panic and lose her balance. She slipped and fell into a nearby gorge from the hilltop.
People present at the site immediately raised the alarm, and local authorities were informed of the incident. Rescue teams reached the area and recovered Anita’s body from the gorge.
Media reports said the young woman died at the scene due to the severity of her injuries sustained in the fall.
Police have registered the incident and launched an inquiry to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Officials said preliminary findings suggest the death was accidental, and no foul play is suspected.
The incident has once again highlighted the potential dangers of interacting with wild animals at popular tourist and religious destinations. Monkeys are commonly found around temples in several parts of India, where visitors often feed them despite repeated warnings from authorities to maintain a safe distance.
Local officials have urged visitors to exercise caution while visiting hilltop temples and avoid approaching or feeding wild animals, as sudden animal movements can lead to panic and accidents, particularly in areas with steep cliffs and uneven terrain.