TV
A day after Odisha was shocked over the display of inhuman behaviour in which stage actors allegedly consumed a live pig on stage, police on Monday arrested one of the actors in connection with the matter.
The accused, identified as Bimbadhar Gouda, was arrested from the Khalikote region of Ganjam district. A case was filed against him by the Forest Department for reportedly 'consuming' the animal live on stage.
A shocking incident had unfolded on the night of November 24 when some performers allegedly killed a pig by bitting it during a theatrical rendition of the epic ‘Ramayana’. The controversial act soon raised eyebrows leading to condemnation of the act and outrage over such a depiction.
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The bizarre act during the theatre act in Ralaba village under Hinjili block went viral on several social media platforms and left viewers stunned. It also sparked a debate over ethical standards and animal cruelty in cultural performances.
The matter gained attention after it was broadcast on OTV, prompting police action. Additionally, animal activists from across the state spoke out against the reported animal cruelty.
“This is an extremely inhuman, barbaric, and condemnable incident, which goes against the societal standards. While performing an auspicious play like the Ramayana on stage, some actors ate a pig and I have no words to condemn the brutal act,” said noted cultural expert Pandit Birendra Tripathy.
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Till the last reports came in, authorities were yet to identify the committee responsible for organizing the play or the individual who consumed the pig. As such, so far, only one of the actors has been arrested.
