The langurs, numbering 20, will be deployed along the parade routes and will be kept on a leash by policemen.

“In the past monkeys have managed to sneak into the area where dignitaries or members of the public are seated. Even a single monkey can create disruptions in the parade. This time, the langurs will be pressed into action,” a senior police official said. Cops had earlier told the New Delhi Municipal Corporation about the monkey menace and requested their cooperation in curbing it, but they received no response. Police then decided to take the matter in their own hands and formed a special team of cops, mostly new recruits, who would also be trained to handle the langurs.

On R-Day, these cops will stand along the length of the parade route, police officials said. Sniffer dogs, otherwise used for detecting explosive material, will also act as deterrents for the monkeys.