Indian police are on a monkey hunt in northern India after a South Korean tourist accused a monkey of stealing his reading glasses.

According to Investigating Case Officer Govind Singh, Kim Dang Hoon has already filed a formal complaint stating that the primate intruded into his room.

''It is difficult to trace the monkey but I am trying my best to locate the rogue,'' Singh said.

Varanasi is home to many wild monkeys, who congregate on tree branches and at Hindu temples.

In Kim's written complaint, he stated that he was in his room and opened his window for some fresh air when the monkey barged into his room,

''He headed straight to the table where my glasses were and took them away,'' Kim said in the statement.

Hotel Staff in Kim's rented room recovered some parts of the glass frame. Singh stated that it is not the first time they've received this kind of complaint from tourists.

''But we can't do anything. We cannot shoot them or beat them as Hindus worship monkeys,'' he said.