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[Dave Smith <daves AT statenet.com>]

Psychiatrist says Monkey Man mystery is like penis panic


An Indian psychiatrist has compared the Monkey Man mystery to a
penis-related panic among Nigerian men 10 years ago. 

Doctor Sandeep Vohra, president of Delhi Psychiatric Society, explains
the Monkey Man panic as mass delusion. 

Ten years ago, groups of Nigerian men became convinced their genitals
would disappear if they touched a stranger. 

An Indian journalist has accused the police and local government
officials in north-east Delhi of contributing to the hysteria which
has led to vigilantes beating up two men and a monkey. 

Pankaj Vohra of The Hindustan Times says police irresponsibly issued a
cartoon sketch of the Monkey Man and offered a reward for information
leading to his capture. 

He adds the mystery started when an auto rickshaw driver in Ghaziabad
claimed he'd been attacked by a passenger who changed his appearance
during the journey. 

He says the myth has grown, despite the creature never leaving behind
hair or footprints. 

Mr Vohra also accused parents of scaring their children. He says one
boy appeared on television saying his father told him the Monkey Man
came from another planet in a flying saucer. 

The National Human Rights Council says a group of 11 Hindu priests
will hold a special prayer ceremony tomorrow to appease the creature. 

Police have arrested a number of hoaxers and have asked shop owners to
make a note of anyone who buys Monkey Man related masks or gloves. 

http://www.ananova.com/news/story/sm_299219.html