NEW DELHI: A theatre artist, aged 45, was taken into custody for brutally ripping the stomach of a pig on stage and eating its meat during a performance in Odisha’s Ganjam district. The incident, which occurred in Ralab village, caused widespread anger and was discussed in the assembly on Monday.
The authorities arrested both the actor, Bimbadhar Gouda, and an event organiser for animal cruelty and breaching the Wildlife Protection Act. The performance took place on November 24 in the Hinjili police station jurisdiction.
BJP legislators Babu Singh and Sanatan Bijuli expressed their strong disapproval of the incident during the assembly session.
The arrests followed after social media circulation of the incident’s videos, prompting animal welfare advocates to demand strict action against those responsible.
Berhampur divisional forest officer Sunny Khokar said they were pursuing individuals who exhibited snakes during the performance, though he withheld the arrested organiser’s identity.
“We are also looking for THE persons who displayed snakes in the theatre. They will also be arrested soon,” Khokar said.
Since August of the previous year, the state administration has banned public snake displays, including those by certified handlers. Hinjili police station’s inspector-in-charge Srinibas Sethy confirmed the actor’s arrest for killing and consuming the pig during the performance.
“We have registered a case against the theatre actor who killed the pig and ate its meat in the theatre, and arrested him,” said Sethy.
The theatre group, attempting to draw crowds, showcased snakes while the actor, portraying a demon, killed a suspended pig on stage and consumed its organs publicly. The theatrical performance was organised by local residents during the Kanjianal Yatra celebration.