TV
A jatra rehearsal in Odisha’s Jajpur district has triggered legal scrutiny and public outcry after a video surfaced showing an actor performing with a live python on stage. The Forest Department has launched an investigation, and the actor involved has since appeared before officials to explain his conduct.
The incident reportedly took place on Tuesday during a rehearsal of the play ‘Ei Bodhe Sesha Dekha’ by the Tulasi Gananatya troupe at Chandikhole in Jajpur district.
In the now-viral video, actor Sai Satyajit Panda was seen holding the python, identified as an African ball python, on stage as part of a dramatic sequence.
The footage drew sharp criticism online and prompted wildlife advocates to flag the use of wild animals in entertainment, which is prohibited under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
Actor Appears Before Forest Officials
Following media coverage and social media outrage, the Bairi Forest Range office issued a notice summoning the actor.
On Wednesday, Panda appeared before the forest officials to clarify the circumstances. According to Panda, the snake was a legally purchased exotic species, not protected under Indian wildlife schedules. He claimed to have bought it in compliance with the rules and insisted no harm was caused during the performance.
“The snake I was holding was not a venomous one. It is an African bell python, and several people in Bhubaneswar also have these as pets. It is allowed to be kept as a pet under Indian laws. Since I am an actor and a celebrity, the video received excessive publicity,” Panda said in an interaction with media persons.
He also claimed to be a pet lover and denied that the snake was harmed or ‘misused’. “The play I am a part of has me act as a forest ranger. During the rehearsals for that I held my snake in my hands and it was not thrown at anyone,” he added.
Meanwhile, Bairi Range Officer Adwit Kumar Pradhan confirmed that the actor had appeared as directed. Though no First Information Report (FIR) has been filed so far, forest authorities have indicated that the use of a python, even an exotic one, without prior permission from wildlife authorities may still violate prevailing environmental and performance-related regulations.
No further comments were received from the forest department, but it added that the matter is now under investigation.
