The Pioneer, a Delhi, India newspaper, recently reported sightings of a "mysterious monkey-like creature," that attacked and mauled more than 13 citizens on a two-day rampage, and is said to be responsible for at least two deaths. Frightened townspeople took to the streets and held demonstrations in the Krishna Nagar area of East district Ghaziabad demanding police protection.

Witnesses' descriptions of the terrorizing surrealistic simian paint a startling profile. The brute is said to be black in appearance and as tall as a man. It can leap distances of up to 30 feet, and moves at a breakneck dispatch when striking. "The speed and height of the animal point towards an Ape," the article stated, adding that Delhi police are "clueless" as to the true nature of the beast. "A baboon matches this description, but baboons are not found in this part of the world."

According to the report, the monster attacked a group of neighbors sleeping on the terrace of a building, causing them to flee for their lives in panic: "Raman was sleeping on the terrace with 30 others from his block when, around 1 AM, his friend noticed a monkey-like creature coming towards him. He raised an alarm, and many of those sleeping on the roof jumped to the ground to save themselves. Raman also jumped and suffered severe head injuries. Raman was rushed to the hospital where he died." A later report said a pregnant woman also leapt to her death.

Other victims include an elderly man (also attacked on a roof), and his son who, responding to his bludgeoned father's cries for help, was "floored by the creature who disappeared in a flash." A five-year-old boy was terrorized and bitten by "a huge furry creature who moved very fast," and had "bloodshot eyes." Commissioner of Police, Suresh Roy announced that "the cases have been referred for a thorough medical examination to establish the extent and cause of the injuries."

With Monkey-Monster hysteria in full swing, officials favor a more plausible explanation, and blamed the episodes on gang attacks. They cite victim Vinod Kumar Yadav's testimony as their best evidence of a human--not ape--berserker. The Pioneer reported Yadav told police he was attacked while crossing a railroad track, and said the beast grappled him at the waist and tore at his hands. "Yadav described the animal as a 'Half-man-half animal' wearing a helmet, brass gloves, and shoes made of iron." Actor Tim Roth, star of the upcoming Planet of the Apes film, was suspiciously unavailable for comment.