New Delhi: Indian officials on Tuesday urged tourists to steer clear of monkeys after two French visitors were attacked by apes while taking selfies at the Taj Mahal. The tourists were left with bloody scratches and bite marks after being chased and set upon by the monkeys as they took photos at India’s most famous attraction. Footage captured on a mobile phone showed scores of monkeys chasing tourists from the legendary monument to love in the city of Agra early Tuesday. Tourist police officer R. V. Panday told AFP the international visitors were given first aid after being attacked. “They were taking selfies in front of the Taj when a group of monkeys attacked them,” Panday said. Hordes of monkeys roam the vast Taj complex and authorities have struggled to stop them harassing visitors. Panday advised tourists to avoid the monkeys and refrain from feeding them, adding the cheeky primates were known to snatch food and other items from unsuspecting visitors.
