Odisha: Theatre actor playing demon in 'Ramayana' arrested for killing pig on stage, eating raw meat

Bhubaneswar/Berhampur: A 45-year-old theatre actor was arrested in Odisha's Ganjam district after he killed a live pig on stage and ate its meat during a performance of the Ramayana. The incident, which occurred on November 24 in Ralab village, Hinjili police station area, has sparked statewide outrage. The actor, Bimbadhar Gouda, was playing the role of a demon when he gruesomely killed the pig and ate it in front of a live audience.

In addition to Gouda, one of the organisers of the play was also arrested for cruelty to animals and violating the Wildlife Protection Act. "We are also looking for THE persons who displayed snakes in the theatre. They will also be arrested soon," Berhampur Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Sunny Khokar said.

However, the name of the arrested organiser has not been disclosed. The arrests followed the viral spread of videos showing the disturbing scene, which were widely condemned by animal rights activists and the public.

The incident was strongly condemned by BJP members Babu Singh and Sanatan Bijuli in the Odisha Assembly on Monday. They called for swift and severe action against those responsible for the act of cruelty.

Violation of state guidelines

The play, organised as part of the Kanjianal Yatra celebration, also violated the state’s guidelines issued in August of the previous year. The guidelines prohibited the public display of snakes, even by certified handlers. "We have registered a case against the theatre actor who killed the pig and ate its meat in the theatre, and arrested him," said Hinjili police station inspector-in-charge Srinibas Sethy said.

Despite this, the theatre group displayed snakes and included the disturbing act of killing the pig, which was tied to the ceiling of the stage in full view of the audience.

Agency