animal cruelty: Bhubaneswar, (Reporterspen), Dec 2: Police arrested a man on Monday for his involvement in the shocking killing of a live pig during a stage play in Ralab village of Hinjili block, Ganjam district. The incident, which occurred during the Kanjianala Yatra on November 24, drew widespread outrage after a video of the act surfaced on social media.
The accused, identified as Bimbadhar Gouda, was apprehended in the Khalikote area following a case lodged by the Forest Department. During the enactment of the Ramayan, five actors playing demons tied a live pig to the ceiling, gruesomely slit its stomach with a knife, and chewed its intestines to make the scene appear authentic.
The play also involved two actors dressed as monkeys handling venomous snakes, adding to the controversy. The sequence was reportedly sponsored by the Bajarangi group of Hinjilicut.
Berhampur DFO Sunny Khokar, who initiated an investigation citing animal cruelty, confirmed the arrest of one organizer. “We are actively pursuing others involved and will take strict action against all perpetrators,” Khokar stated.
