On November 24, while acting in a Ramayana-themed play in Odisha's Ganjam district, a 45-year-old actor acting like a demon was taken into custody for brutally killing a live pig and consuming its raw meat on stage. Videos of the performance, shared on social media platforms, have sparked outrage as animal rights advocates and politicians have strongly criticized the actor for his act.
The actor, who was identified as Bimbadhar Gouda, shocked the crowd when he tore open the pig's stomach with a knife and devoured its innards at the Kanjianal Yatra festival. Police said that the act was part of an attempt to attract crowds.
The incident has drawn widespread criticism, including in the Odisha Legislative Assembly. Lawmakers from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, Babu Singh and Sanatan Bijuli, denounced the act and demanded strict action against those involved.
Animal rights groups have also raised their voices, calling for accountability and stricter regulations to prevent such cruelty in the future.
Apart from Gouda, one of the organizers of the event has been arrested for violating the Wildlife Protection Act and inflicting cruelty on animals. However, the authorities refused to disclose the name of the organizer.
The Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer, Sunny Khokar, informed that more arrests are awaited on the same performance for illegal snake display. "We are also looking for the persons who displayed snakes in the theatre. They will also be arrested soon," Khokar said.
The government of Odisha issued guidelines last August against the public display of snakes, even by certified snake handlers. The use of snakes in the performance further added to the violations that took place during the event.
“We have registered a case against the theatre actor who killed the pig and ate its meat in the theatre, and arrested him,” stated Srinibas Sethy, inspector-in-charge of the Hinjili police station.
This has, in return, led to wide calls for the enforcement of laws and regulations protecting animals and wildlife. As investigations are carried out, animal rights bodies and leaders call upon law enforcement agencies to ensure this does not happen again.
Instead of entertainment, this gruesome performance has started a serious debate concerning ethical boundaries within traditional art.