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Ganjam: In what could be a violation of the Wildlife Protection Act, a dangerous performance involving torture and cruelty on snakes for the purpose of entertainment during a Jatra show in Ganjam district has reportedly gone viral on social media.
The video, which was uploaded on YouTube on May 15, reveals a member of the show entertaining the public by displaying Indian Cobras and holding them in his teeth.
During the bizarre act, the member was seen revolving on the stage with two snakes and drinking water while holding the Cobras in his mouth.
Though the whole act seemed entertaining the viewers, allegations of cruelty against the reptiles poured in after the video went viral on social media.
“This situation would not have risen if necessary action was taken at the right time. People catch snakes, remove venom and root out the teeth. They then torture the snakes during these weird acts in the name of showing bravery. Such things should stop. The show organiser and the committee secretary should be booked first,” said Subhendu Mallick, Honorary Wildlife Warden, Khurda.
The Wildlife Crime Control Bureau had earlier issued guidelines and advisory directing individuals not to display any wild animals for entertainment purposes or on social media as it would encourage and stimulate such illegal activities. However, this act has raised questions on the implementation of guidelines and the inaction of administration to punish the law-breakers.
Meanwhile, Chief Wildlife Warden Sandeep Tripathy informed that he has directed the forest officials in Berhampur to take necessary action against all the culprits.
