Bhubaneswar: The Forest Department arrested a person in connection with a bizarre incident where actors were seen biting a live pig during a theatrical performance of the Ramayan at Ralaba village under Hinjili block in Ganjam district. The forest department took action after a video purportedly showing the inhumane act went viral on social media.
The Department is also investigating the roles of other individuals involved in the cruel act, informed Berhampur DFO Sunny Khokhar. “A case has been registered, and one of the organizers has been arrested. We are investigating further, and others involved in the incident will be arrested soon,” said Sunny.
Every year, the Maa Kanjianla Jatra is celebrated in Ralaba village, where locals treat it as a festival. During the event, villagers perform various plays in opera pandals. This year, actors portraying demons shockingly enacted the act of eating a live pig as part of their performance, meant to show the evil nature of their characters. Moreover, the actors were seen playing with live cobras on stage.
This performance has sparked a debate about ethical standards and animal cruelty in cultural events. “Such disturbing scenes have surfaced before during the Jatra, where animals have been harmed on stage. The administration needs to take strict action to prevent this from happening again,” said Lalatendu Choudhary, an animal lover.
