Monkey attack claims India official's life

NEW DELHI, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The deputy mayor of New Delhi, India, died after he fell from a balcony while fighting off a monkey attack.

Deputy Mayor S.S. Bajwa was attacked by monkeys while standing on the balcony of his residence Saturday and fell to the ground during the ensuing struggle, CNN-IBN reported Monday. Bajwa died Sunday because of the injuries.

"Delhi has lost an able leader," Chief Minister Sheila Dixit said. She described the death as a very unfortunate incident.

The attack marks the latest in a string of monkey attacks in the city. Monkey catchers are employed by the municipal government to track the malicious primates, but officials said they are seeking help from the federal government.

"We need more help from the central government and the wildlife department," Delhi Mayor Aarti Mehra said.